MINISTER MTHETHWA WELCOMES ARREST OF 6 POLICE OFFICERS IMPLICATED IN TATANE MURDER CASE
We have confidence that the criminal justice system will ensure that those who have wronged, will be punished
PRETORIA - 17 April 2011. The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today welcomed the arrest of the six police officers implicated in the unfortunate killing of the late Mr Andries Tatane during a service-delivery march in Ficksburg last week. He has since also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Mr Tatane during this difficult period.
"We welcome the arrest of the six suspects. We have confidence that our criminal justice system (CJS) will ensure that any person found to have done any wrongdoing, including police officers, is accordingly punished. As it were, when we appealed to all in society last week to afford those who police the police, that is, the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) to do its work without fear or favour, we did so with full confidence in this institution."
"Again as this development in the investigation does not represent the conclusion of the case, we once again, make a plea to all in society to still respect the process. It is not and has never been our stance to pre-judge incident from afar but believe that the ICD would follow every letter of the Constitution in carrying out its investigations," added Minister Mthethwa.
The ministry had noted some in society who wrote open letters accusing the Minister of being silent or rather taking a defensive reactive approach when this incident occurred. The ministry's view has always been to advocate for a thorough investigation and not draw premature conclusions. We once again emphasize the point that the six officers remain innocent until proven guilty by the court of law. We remain confident that the CJS of this country will again continue this process without fear or favour, and that those who have any wrongdoing once the process has been concluded, justice would have prevailed.
The Minister has been consistent in his stance that those who break the law must be punished. "We emphasized that police must at all material times, conduct themselves in a manner that is reminiscent of disciplined cops who respect the principles of human dignity and rights."
The ICD, this morning announced to the public the arrest of these six implicated officers and they will appear at the Ficksburg Magistrate Court tomorrow; two facing murder charges and four facing assault grievous bodily harm charges. Minister Mthethwa has appealed to society and those who will be in court tomorrow, to remain calm and avoid any provocation as the court process unfolds.
Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Police, April 17 2011
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