1 February 2006
The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) wishes to advise that we have
arrested four police officers whom are allegedly involved in the two incidents
of death in the South African Police Service (SAPS) Vaalbank in Mpumalanga
(former Kwandebele).
The first incident, which claimed the life of James Johannes Malobola (23),
occurred on 15 December 2005 in Allenmansdrift in Mpumalanga. The deceased died
on 30 December 2005 at Mamethlake Hospital. It is alleged that members from
SAPS Vaalbank went to Mr Malobolaâs house to arrest him for the contravention
of a protection order against his girlfriend. On arrival at the said house
allegedly the police were informed by the mother that the deceased (his son) is
mentally unstable, the police continued on their mission and tried to arrest
him.
It is alleged that the deceased resisted arrest and the police started
assaulting him and he was subsequently overpowered and handcuffed. It is
further alleged that the police used a sharp steel bar in stabbing him severely
all over his body (legs, head and hands) while handcuffed.
The ICD took over the investigation on 31 December 2005. We have since
discovered that the family was not informed about the death of their son. The
family only became aware of the death after our investigators visited them
accordingly. We will also be investigating the complaint from the family on
failure of the police to inform them about the death. Three police officers who
arrested the deceased will be charged with murder.
The second incident, which claimed the life of William Matikenesi Sekgobela
(34), occurred on 2 January 2006 in Allenmansdrift in Mpumalanga. It is alleged
that members from SAPS Vaalbank went to Mr Sekgobelaâs house to arrest him for
a case of assault with intend to do grievous bodily harm against his
girlfriend. On arrival at the said house allegedly the deceased started running
away. The police pursued him and fired one shot, which struck him on the body
under his right hand. He was taken to the Siyabuswa Clinic and died at the
casualty section.
Both post mortems were conducted on Tuesday, 3 January 2006, at Witbank
Government Mortuary. The four suspect police officers appeared at the Mbibana
Magistrateâs Court on Wednesday, 1 February 2006, and were granted R3000 bail.
The court granted the ICD seven days for further investigation. The next court
appearance will be on Friday, 10 February 2006. After finalisation of our
investigation we will forward both case dockets with our recommendations to the
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision on prosecution.
Enquiries:
Steve Mabona
ICD National Spokesperson
Cell: 082 809 1927
Tel: (012) 392 0400
Email: smabona@icd.gov.za
Issued by: Independent Complaints Directorate
1 February 2006
Source: Independent Complaints Directorate (http://www.icd.gov.za)
