Action Society opposes the bail application of Piketberg police officer, Richard “Makka” Smit who allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Natasha Booise, on Sunday, 2 January 2022.
“The seriousness of this crime questions the credibility of the South African Police Services (SAPS) recruitment process. We are continually faced with SAPS members involved in serious crimes. Action Society calls for a thorough investigation into the recruitment process of SAPS members. SAPS must stop employing individuals who are not mentally fit to serve our communities,” says Action Society Spokesperson, Kelly Baloyi.
Smit appeared at the Piketberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and will reappear on Monday, 17 January, to continue his bail application process. The accused was allegedly under the influence of drugs when he used his police Z88 firearm on Booise.
Although Smit was facing three charges in his first appearance in court, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued Smit with four additional charges which include: the murder of Booise; two counts for the attempted murder of Roslin Kaaiman and Erin Plaatjies; discharging a firearm in a built-up area; handling a firearm while under the influence of a substance which has an intoxicating or narcotic effect; and two counts of assault for allegedly threatening the women.
In September 2021, Minister of Police, Bheki Cele revealed that over 10 000 SAPS officers were being investigated for serious offences since 2012. These charges include murder, rape and assault with the intent to commit serious bodily harm. Since the announcement, there has been a high percentage of cases relating to gender-based violence (GBV) involving SAPS officials.
“Police officers with multiple cases against them are given firearms and called upon to protect and serve our communities. This is an act of negligence and once again a reflection of the failed SAPS leadership under Bheki Cele. The SAPS needs to be held accountable for appointing officers who are not competent to serve in the force and end up becoming perpetrators themselves,” concludes Baloyi.
ISSUED BY: Action Society
DATE: 14 JANUARY 2022
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Kelly Baloyi
Spokesperson: Action Society
Cell: 084 742 9399
OR
Ian Cameron
Spokesperson: Action Society
Cell: 073 388 0474
