ICD has Set up a Task Team to Review Cases Involving members of the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit

The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) has noted the Sunday Times report alleging the existence of a death squad within the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit (CMOCU). The ICD has not investigated any death squad but it has investigated the involvement of individual members of the CMOCU in the deaths of suspects at different periods.

The ICD takes the allegations seriously and as a result it has established a Task Team of investigators to review all the cases involving members of the CMOCU. The Task Team will be led by Mr Innocent Khuba, who is currently the provincial head of the ICD in Limpopo. He will also be the contact person for any witnesses or for people with information to link up with.

The ICD’s role is to conduct a proper investigation and take the docket to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) whose role is to decide whether or not to prosecute anyone based on the evidence presented to him/her. If the DPP decides not to prosecute, he/she may decide that an inquest should be held. Such an inquest is presided over by a magistrate who can call witnesses to testify before him including the relevant experts. The outcome of such an inquest could be that someone is held liable or not. In case someone is held liable, charges such as murder could be brought against such a person.

It is alleged that there are witnesses to the atrocities reported by the Sunday Times and the ICD would like to call on these witnesses to make contact with the Task Team by contacting Mr Innocent Khuba on 084 702 2741 or ikhuba@icd.gov.za. Any information (including the identity of witnesses) provided to the Task Team will be treated with confidentiality.

There is also a Witness Protection Programme through which the safety of witnesses can be safeguarded. This programme is available to those who fear for their lives. Information can also be provided to the Task Team anonymously.

Policemen and women should do their work within the confines of the laws of our country, which prohibit the execution of suspects. The duty of the police is to arrest and bring suspects before the relevant courts of law.

The ICD is committed to ensuring that rogue elements within the police service are removed but it needs witnesses and those with information to come forward. This will ensure that the bad elements are punished in line with the laws of our country.

Issued by the Independent Complaints Directorate

For enquiries:
ICD National Spokesperson
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
mdlamini@icd.gov.za