The Witness: "‘Blue light’ bodyguard in court for shooting
14 Jan 2009"
9 years ago
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Blue Light Probe - Opinion published by the Editor of The Witness
The Witness: "Blue-light probe"
12 Jan 2009
The Editor
With another report of shots being fired at a motorist by a blue-light VIP protection squad, news that the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) is to investigate the conduct of these units is welcome. In the many months since the intimidation of ordinary motorists by these flying convoys was first reported on the roads around Pietermaritzburg, this bullying behaviour seems to have spread across the country and has become increasingly outrageous. Up until now, instead of addressing the problem, the authorities have either dismissed the complaints or tried to browbeat the public and the press into submission. This too seems to have come to a head with reports that after the latest incident, apparently involving President Kgalema Motlanthe’s convoy, equipment belonging to SABC journalists on the scene was confiscated. If the officers were performing their legitimate duty correctly, this crude attempt to censor news coverage of the incident could have no justification. The ICD probe vindicates the concern expressed by the public through the media. Things should never have come to this point. Certainly VIPs need protection, but a properly skilled police force can surely provide this without the flagrant disregard for the safety and the rights of the ordinary public that is exhibited here. The fact that this bullying has gone unchecked for so long, and has actually worsened, is an indictment of the senior leadership in this task force. It is an indictment, too, of the political leadership that travels in these convoys. It can be granted that in an emergency situation, the person being protected must leave matters wholly in the hands of the professional officers, but this does not prevent public representatives from exercising their authority responsibly and setting in advance the para-meters for escorting official vehicles. It is not necessary for routine journeys to be conducted as if they are dire, life-threatening emergencies. In the final analysis, in fact, this is a test of the political leadership’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. When no real crisis threatens, these speeding convoys are nothing less than an arrogant and lawless abuse of power.
12 Jan 2009
The Editor
With another report of shots being fired at a motorist by a blue-light VIP protection squad, news that the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) is to investigate the conduct of these units is welcome. In the many months since the intimidation of ordinary motorists by these flying convoys was first reported on the roads around Pietermaritzburg, this bullying behaviour seems to have spread across the country and has become increasingly outrageous. Up until now, instead of addressing the problem, the authorities have either dismissed the complaints or tried to browbeat the public and the press into submission. This too seems to have come to a head with reports that after the latest incident, apparently involving President Kgalema Motlanthe’s convoy, equipment belonging to SABC journalists on the scene was confiscated. If the officers were performing their legitimate duty correctly, this crude attempt to censor news coverage of the incident could have no justification. The ICD probe vindicates the concern expressed by the public through the media. Things should never have come to this point. Certainly VIPs need protection, but a properly skilled police force can surely provide this without the flagrant disregard for the safety and the rights of the ordinary public that is exhibited here. The fact that this bullying has gone unchecked for so long, and has actually worsened, is an indictment of the senior leadership in this task force. It is an indictment, too, of the political leadership that travels in these convoys. It can be granted that in an emergency situation, the person being protected must leave matters wholly in the hands of the professional officers, but this does not prevent public representatives from exercising their authority responsibly and setting in advance the para-meters for escorting official vehicles. It is not necessary for routine journeys to be conducted as if they are dire, life-threatening emergencies. In the final analysis, in fact, this is a test of the political leadership’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. When no real crisis threatens, these speeding convoys are nothing less than an arrogant and lawless abuse of power.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Blue-light victim to hit back - MSN - News
Blue-light victim to hit back - MSN - News:
Lawyers for the teenager who has been shot when he allegedly 'disturbed' President Kgalema Motlanthe’s blue-light motorcade will sue the state.
SASHNI PATHER
LAWYERS for the teenager who was shot in the arm when he allegedly “disturbed” President Kgalema Motlanthe’s blue-light motorcade on Saturday say he will sue the state.
Chase van der Walt’s lawyer, Hugo van der Westhuizen, told The Times yesterday that his client was shot at by Motlanthe’s VIP protection unit guards.
“The person who fired a shot at my client should face criminal charges. Civil suits will follow from that action,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Van der Walt, 19, was arrested and charged with reckless and negligent driving after allegedly driving too close to the president’s car.
It is alleged that, when Van der Walt’s car neared the president’s vehicle, the lead police car intercepted and collided with his VW Golf.
“When my client returns to court next week, we are hoping to get the matter struck off the roll,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Van der Walt appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was released on R500 bail.
A police spokeswoman, Director Sally de Beer, said a member of the VIP protection unit fired a warning shot.
“We will pursue criminal charges against the shooter,” said Van der Westhuizen. “In the civil case, we will serve our notice of intention to the relevant minister, but right now our main concern is getting the criminal charges against my client dropped.”
The controversial VIP protection unit’s image has been tarnished by a litany of complaints against its members - who face criminal charges that include murder, rape, assault and robbery.The head of protection unit, divisional commander Mzondeki "Sean" Tshabalala, recently crashed his car into a police van while drunk, it has been alleged.
The Van der Walt incident is being investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate.
The DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard said her party would ask Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa to explain why Tshabalala had not been prosecuted or subjected to an internal disciplinary hearing.
“If the divisional commander does face charges, why has he not been suspended from active duty while the charges are pending?
“Why has no further information on a potentially serious case involving a divisional commander in the police service been released?” she asked.
It is believed that allegations will be investigated that the VIP unit tampered with videotape confiscated from the SABC that was filmed at the scene of Saturday’s shooting.
Lawyers for the teenager who has been shot when he allegedly 'disturbed' President Kgalema Motlanthe’s blue-light motorcade will sue the state.
SASHNI PATHER
LAWYERS for the teenager who was shot in the arm when he allegedly “disturbed” President Kgalema Motlanthe’s blue-light motorcade on Saturday say he will sue the state.
Chase van der Walt’s lawyer, Hugo van der Westhuizen, told The Times yesterday that his client was shot at by Motlanthe’s VIP protection unit guards.
“The person who fired a shot at my client should face criminal charges. Civil suits will follow from that action,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Van der Walt, 19, was arrested and charged with reckless and negligent driving after allegedly driving too close to the president’s car.
It is alleged that, when Van der Walt’s car neared the president’s vehicle, the lead police car intercepted and collided with his VW Golf.
“When my client returns to court next week, we are hoping to get the matter struck off the roll,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Van der Walt appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was released on R500 bail.
A police spokeswoman, Director Sally de Beer, said a member of the VIP protection unit fired a warning shot.
“We will pursue criminal charges against the shooter,” said Van der Westhuizen. “In the civil case, we will serve our notice of intention to the relevant minister, but right now our main concern is getting the criminal charges against my client dropped.”
The controversial VIP protection unit’s image has been tarnished by a litany of complaints against its members - who face criminal charges that include murder, rape, assault and robbery.The head of protection unit, divisional commander Mzondeki "Sean" Tshabalala, recently crashed his car into a police van while drunk, it has been alleged.
The Van der Walt incident is being investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate.
The DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard said her party would ask Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa to explain why Tshabalala had not been prosecuted or subjected to an internal disciplinary hearing.
“If the divisional commander does face charges, why has he not been suspended from active duty while the charges are pending?
“Why has no further information on a potentially serious case involving a divisional commander in the police service been released?” she asked.
It is believed that allegations will be investigated that the VIP unit tampered with videotape confiscated from the SABC that was filmed at the scene of Saturday’s shooting.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Decapitated body found in Pietermaritzburg - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source
Decapitated body found in Pietermaritzburg - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA Dec 31 2008 13:57"
The decapitated and mutilated body of a 19-year-old woman was found in the Kwanoshezi area of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Wednesday. Inspector Joey Jeevan said the naked and decomposing body of Sindiswa Ngidi was discovered in the bush on Tuesday night. Her right arm and head were found nearby.She had sustained multiple stab wounds and suspected dog bites to her body."Police do not rule out the possibility of rape, however a post-mortem will be held to determine the exact cause of death," said Jeevan.Ngidi was reported missing on December 29. She was last seen on December 21.Anyone with information that could assist police are urged to contact the police on 033 398 9774. -- Sapa
The decapitated and mutilated body of a 19-year-old woman was found in the Kwanoshezi area of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Wednesday. Inspector Joey Jeevan said the naked and decomposing body of Sindiswa Ngidi was discovered in the bush on Tuesday night. Her right arm and head were found nearby.She had sustained multiple stab wounds and suspected dog bites to her body."Police do not rule out the possibility of rape, however a post-mortem will be held to determine the exact cause of death," said Jeevan.Ngidi was reported missing on December 29. She was last seen on December 21.Anyone with information that could assist police are urged to contact the police on 033 398 9774. -- Sapa
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