African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Organised Crime Unit
1 April 2009
The Independent Complaints Directorate is investigating a case of murder
against fifteen (15) members of South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial
Organised Crime Unit in Bellville South, Cape Town. On 10 February 2009 the ICD
was informed about a body of a male person found in a police vehicle that had
been parked outside the Tygerberg Forensic Pathology Services.
The ICD investigated the matter immediately when it was reported by SAPS
radio control. Post mortem was conducted on 11 February 2009 and it was
established that Sidwell Mkwambi died as a result of multiple blunt trauma to
the body. The ICD is investigating a case of murder and envisage finalising the
matter as soon as it obtains outstanding reports from forensic laboratory and
pathology and conducts one outstanding identity parade. The docket will be
forwarded to the directorate of public prosecution once the investigation is
complete.
The ICD is also probing an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
(assault GBH) case against the same police members for the alleged assault and
torture of a witness who was reportedly with the deceased during the arrest and
assault.
Furthermore 13 other unrelated dockets have been taken over for
investigation by ICD from SAPS which contain allegations of assault and torture
by some members of the aforesaid unit whilst suspects were in the course of
arrest and in the custody of the aforesaid unit.
Members of the public are urged to report cases of assault by SAPS members
during arrest or while in police detention to the ICD for investigation.
Enquiries:
Ms Dikeledi Phiri
Cell: 082 809 1927
Issued by: Independent Complaints Directorate
1 April 2009
Source: Independent Complaints Directorate (http://www.icd.gov.za/)
