The four policemen implicated in a drug scandal were a danger to state witnesses, the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court heard on Friday.
This emerged as the state, represented by advocate Michelle Bayat, read out affidavits, one from the investigating officer, detailing reasons why the four should not be granted bail.
”I strongly believe that the applicants release on bail would endanger the safety of the witnesses.
”Some of the witnesses are informants and their security would be at risk if the applicants are released on bail,” said the affidavit submitted by investigating officer Captain Mziwandle Sizane.
Captain Caiphus Shange (43), Senior Superintendent Dumisani Jwara (45), Captain Victor Mpho Jwili (38) and Captain Londro Mokgosani (40) are detained at a high-risk detention facility to ensure their safety.
The four officers were arrested on Monday following an investigation spanning months.
They are accused of selling drugs seized by police back to drug syndicates, fraud, theft, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice.
”The identity and whereabouts of the witnesses are known to the applicants as the applicants … it would be easy for the applicants to influence and intimidate the witnesses.
”… accused number one made threats saying the people who are investigating them should watch their backs.
”During an official parade meeting in August 2008 … accused one informed the members in attendance that he was aware of the investigation against him and said that they would make a plan to have those investigating them killed,” Sizane’s affidavit said.
Magistrate Delise Smit postponed the case to April 15, when defence attorneys for the accused; Nardus Grove, advocate Sog van Eck and Jacques van Heerden, would respond to the affidavits by the state.
”We will have a chance to react to the allegations… it will be a continuation of the bail application,” said Van Eck, representing Shange.
The affidavits said that the charges against the four were of a serious nature, which could see them receiving severe punishment by the law.
They also face dismissal from the South African Police Service, it said.
This may cause the applicants to evade trial should they be granted bail as they also had the finances to do so.
Three of the four accused also had previous convictions — a further reason why bail should be opposed.
The affidavits said that the accused may also tamper with evidence and the fact that the accused were aware of the investigation against them ”clearly indicated the influence they have”.
Court K was filled to capacity with family members and colleagues of the accused. Outside, policemen from a specialised unit were posted at the entrance of the court and cited their presence as ”procedure”. — Sapa