It has been 20 months since the shocking highway assault by the #BlueLightMafia eight and the main witness in the case, the victim who was beaten unconscious in the assault, has finally had the chance to have his say in the disciplinary case against the eight. Both the disciplinary as well as the criminal case against the perpetrators are still dragging on at a snail’s pace. Action Society demands to know who is footing the bill for the legal costs involved.
Action Society sent an application for information in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in May of 2024 demanding that the National Commissioner of Police, Lt Gen Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, in writing, confirm that the SAPS will not consider any applications from the eight accused for assistance with their legal fees for this case. No reply was received
Action Society sent another PAIA application last week, seeking transparency regarding the handling of the case, the costs incurred, and the factors contributing to its ongoing postponements. Specifically, Action Society requested a detailed breakdown of costs incurred by SAPS in the disciplinary process of the eight as well as records of delays and postponements in the disciplinary proceedings.
The case has been dragging along since the initial incident occurred in July of 2023 and we believe it is in the interest of the taxpayer to know just how much of their money has gone toward this case. The PAIA application has been received and we are now awaiting feedback.
“The SAPS has dragged its feet at every investigation stage. It took ten days to suspend the eight and more than 20 days to arrest them. From there, the SAPS allowed the eight’s paid suspension period to lapse without finalising the disciplinary investigations, only hearing evidence four months later. Within two months, all eight were back at work receiving their full pay until they received an unpaid suspension of two months starting in November 2024. This is a gross misuse of taxpayers money,” says Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
“There is a clear pattern emerging where criminals inside the SAPS are protecting criminals against justice instead of a Police service protecting the public against criminals by serving justice. Action Society demands an end to the VIP treatment the eight thugs continue to receive from their employer.”
The disciplinary case has been postponed to 31 March to 2 April for further witness testimonies to be heard.
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