Question NW2185 to the Minister of Police
05 September 2017 - NW2185
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Police
With reference to his reply to question 1042 on 13 June 2017, (a) what are the relevant details of (i) the incident(s) for which 18 members were suspended on 11 September 2012, and (ii) the incident(s) for which three members were suspended on 30 August 2012, (b) in each case, what is the current status of the disciplinary matter against the specified member(s)?
Reply:
(a) The Kwamaphumulo (KTA) and Stanger Taxi Associations (STA), in Kwazulu-Natal, have been embroiled in conflict that has claimed many casualties, amongst others, the killing of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Chonco and Inkosi Mbongezi Zondi, an ex-member of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit.
Lt Col Chonco was appointed as the Provincial Co-ordinator and was tasked to investigate the taxi violence between the KTA and the STA.
On 27 August 2008, Lt Col Chonco was killed, whilst transporting accused persons to court. The KTA was suspected of being involved in the killing of the officer.
It is alleged that the killing of Lt Col Chonco had triggered the Cato Manor South African Police Service (SAPS) members’ elimination of all the persons suspected in the involvement of the death of Lt Col Chonco.
The 18 members who were suspended on 11 September 2012 and the three members who were suspended on 30 August 2012, respectively, are members of the Cato Manor SAPS, who were allegedly involved in the elimination of the suspects who were involved in the killing of Lt Col Chonco and Inkosi Mbongezi Zondi.
The disciplinary cases against the members, involve allegations of tampering with the murder scenes in Esikhaweni: CAS 103/04/2010, Durban Central: CAS 185/02/2009, Tongaat: CAS 190/03/2009, Durban North: CAS 69/07/2011 and Melmoth: CAS 142/11/2008.
(a)(i)(ii)The incidents relate to allegations that Cato Manor SAPS members shot and killed members of the community, who according to them, were suspects in the cases that they were investigating.
N.B. The three members attached to the National Intervention Unit (NIU), based in Durban, were involved in the same offences with the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit. However, the NIU is a component reporting to the Division: Operational Response Services, while the 18 members are reporting to the Head: Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
(b) Melmoth CAS, 142/11/2008.
All the employees charged, were acquitted of the alleged misconduct.
Esikhawini, CAS 103/04/2010.
The disciplinary hearing was postponed indefinitely.
Tongaat, CAS 190/03/2009.
All employees have appeared before the Chairperson. The matter is postponed indefinitely for closing arguments.
Durban Central, CAS 185/02/2009.
All the witnesses have testified and the matter is still in progress.
Durban North, CAS 69/07/2011 and Durban North, CAS 71/07/2011.
The matter has not yet been placed on the court roll.