Police acting national commissioner, General Nhlanhla Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, has been presented with a preliminary Hawks report on allegations that members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit were involved in executing suspects. Picture: Thobile Mathonsi Police acting national commissioner, General Nhlanhla Sibusiso Mkhwanazi, has been presented with a preliminary Hawks report on allegations that members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit were involved in executing suspects. Picture: Thobile Mathonsi
A high-profile investigation into allegations that members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit were involved in the execution of suspects is expected to be finalised by Tuesday.
The investigation, by the Hawks and Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD), began in December after it was revealed that members from the unit were allegedly involved in several assassinations, some in retaliation for cop killings and ongoing taxi violence in the province.
Six members of the unit have already been deployed to other police units, including the Durban Organised Crime Unit, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The six members of the unit have appointed specialist attorney Carl van der Merwe to represent them. Van der Merwe said the men were so far complying with the investigation and had already made several statements to the ICD.
“We are co-operating to the best of our ability,” said Van der Merwe.
The Hawks investigation, headed by Major-General Jan Mabula, head of the Hawks in North West, last week presented a preliminary report to the acting national commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
It is believed the report fingers other high-ranking KZN Hawks members as well as police heads in the province.
Hawks spokesman Colonel McIntosh Polela said the report suggests the way forward.
“We are hoping to get a clear indication of what really happened and that the investigation clears the name and image of the SAPS,” said Polela.
He said none of the six Cato Manor policemen had been suspended.
ICD spokesman Moses Dlamini said some witnesses had come forward with information and many had indicated a willingness to share information, but were afraid to sign affidavits for fear of their lives.
Dlamini said while they were not investigating allegations of the existence of a death squad at the unit, they were looking at the involvement of individual members in the deaths of suspects at different periods.
The investigative task team led by Innocent Khuba, the Limpopo provincial ICD head, is currently reviewing all cases handled by those members of the unit.
Dlamini said they had already found 45 cases that required attention and there were indications that more cases might need review.
Dlamini said the reluctance of witnesses to come forward posed a hurdle in the investigation.
“Many of the witnesses have contacted us, but are afraid for their safety. Some are afraid they will be killed if they come forward.
“We want to reassure them we have the resources to protect them, with the state witness protection programme,” said Dlamini.
The allegations against members of the unit surfaced after a CD was circulated to the media and pictures showing members of the unit at a braai, suspects shot and firearms placed near them, among others.
Bribe
This information came to light after the arrest of police Colonel Navin Madhoe, who is charged with attempting to bribe the head of the Hawks, Major-General Johan Booysen, with R1.7 million in exchange for documents related to another case involving Umhlanga businessman Thoshan Panday.
Panday and Madhoe are charged with fraud and corruption relating to a R60 million police accommodation tender scam and for the attempt to bribe Booysen.
Last week, Madhoe, who was suspended pending the finalisation of his trial, appeared to be back at work at the Durban Central Police Station, in the support division, dealing with human resources. But this week he was absent.
Madhoe presented himself for duty when his 90-day disciplinary hearing did not take place within the stipulated period.
Provincial spokesman Colonel Jay Naicker said although Madhoe’s hearing was not held, he was not entitled to be at work.
He said Madhoe remained suspended until the finalisation of his trial.
Madhoe’s matter is now being dealt with at a national level.
Madhoe and Panday are due to appear in court again next month.
Niyanta.Singh@inl.co.za - Sunday Tribune