Paul Kirk
Unfortunately for Director Henry Manzi, the newly appointed head of the Durban Metro Police, he can choose his friends but not his relatives.
In the latest edition of Metro Beat, a free magazine given to Durban ratepayers, Manzi admits to having no close personal friends. He is quoted as saying: “Friends might ask for favours, which would undermine my position.”
But a relative, and not a friend, has now landed Manzi in hot water. Manzi is alleged to have interfered with the administration of justice to release a road hog uncle.
When Jabulani Manzi was spotted doing an illegal and dangerous U-turn in the Durban city centre last Tuesday, a Metro Police officer approached his car and asked for his driver’s licence and ID book.
When the ID book was handed over it contained cash. The officer immediately got on his radio and reported the matter to the Metro Police control room, saying he suspected Jabulani Manzi was trying to bribe him.
At the same time, Jabulani Manzi got on his cellphone to his nephew. When the officer allegedly indicated his intention to charge him with offering a bribe, Manzi is alleged to have indicated his intention to have his nephew, Henry Manzi, “sort out” the arresting officer.
After being handcuffed and arrested, Jabulani Manzi was taken to Point Road police station where his nephew was waiting for him on the steps.
Manzi insisted that his uncle be released and not charged. He also helped the uncle open a case of assault against the young policeman who arrested him.
In terms of the Metro Police’s own regulations, an officer cannot be promoted while he is accused of any wrongdoing. This means that until the assault charge is finalised a process that may take years the young policeman cannot expect any promotion.
Manzi denied that his actions were tantamount to defeating the ends of justice, a serious criminal offence. He claimed that, after hearing the explanations, he decided that the facts of the matter did not warrant his uncle being detained.
When asked if that was not a job for a magistrate and if, in future, any motorist could phone him when being arrested, Manzi insisted he “acted as the custodian of the law”. He repeatedly denied that his uncle had received preferential treatment.
“It is unfortunate the man was a relative,” he said.