Former Ekurhuleni metro police chief Robert McBride was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Magistrate Peet Johnson sentenced him to two years for driving under the influence of alcohol, and five years for defeating the ends of justice, of which two years were suspended for five years.
Johnson said it was in the interests of society that the court handed down an appropriate sentence. McBride would appeal the sentence. His bail of R1 000 was extended.
Civil rights body AfriForum said the sentence was a victory for justice.
‘No place for dishonesty’
“His sentence sends a strong message to law enforcement officers that there is no place for dishonesty and that they can wear their uniform with pride,” spokesperson Nantes Kelder said.
McBride was supposed to be an example to the community and had the responsibility to abide by the law, which he did not do, said Kelder.
The Congress of the People in Gauteng said McBride’s sentencing showed that no-one was above the law.
“Taxpayers will cherish the completion of the case, as more than R11-million paid by the council for McBride’s legal defence should be paid back,” Cope Ekurhuleni municipal councillor Lesego Sentsho said in a statement.
“In terms of public service statutes, officials found guilty of any offence are required to pay back money provided by the state for legal defence.”
‘I do not have problems with alcohol’
McBride on Thursday denied that he had a problem with alcohol.
He told the court he would comply with a court order which included attending an alcohol rehabilitation programme.
“I will comply even though I’m not happy. I do not have problems with alcohol,” he said.
He told the court he was a tracker and could be used to track rhino poachers. He could also be used to teach in prisons or any underprivileged community as he was a teacher with two BA degrees.
He told the court he believed he did not belong in jail. – Sapa