Blame game between SAPS and NPA over Taegrin’s case
The NPA and SAPS are blaming each other following the withdrawal of charges against the man accused of involvement in the death of Taegrin Morris (4).
Even though the court, according to Hein April, did not give reasons for the withdrawal of charges against Thamsanqa Twala, who is accused of being involved in the murder of Taegrin Morris, a senior prosecutor at the Boksburg Magistrates Court told them that the police officers who conducted the identification parade had, allegedly, not followed a range of basic procedures.
As a result, the NPA was prompted to withdraw all charges against the accused.
Speaking to reporters during the celebration of International Men’s Day, in Reiger Park, on Wednesday morning, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lesetja Mothiba said the prosecutor who withdrew charges against Twala must explain his reasons for doing so.
“That prosecutor is not telling the truth; I would have wanted him here, so that he can tell this community exactly why he withdrew the case,” he added.
”I’m very upset with that prosecutor.”
On Wednesday, November 19, Mothiba dismissed the allegation that Twala’s case had been withdrawn due to poor investigations by the police.
“We are taking the matter further with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, it is being reviewed. Anything is possible,” he said.
Charges against Twala were withdrawn at the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Friday, November 14.
This is the same courtroom in which charges against Zamokuhle Mbatha, the man accused of killing soccer star Senzo Meyiwa, were withdrawn on Tuesday, November 11.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Nathi Mncube told reporters outside the Boksburg Court that the charges against Mbatha were dropped due to irregularities in the identity parade.
Twala was accused of being involved in the death of Taegrin, who was dragged behind his parents hijacked VW Golf a couple of months ago.
Mothiba was among the government officials who attended the campaign in Reiger Park together with Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko, to tackle issues that affect men and boys.
During the celebration at the civic centre, Mazibuko also called on police to do their job efficiently.
Taegrin’s and Cuburne van Wyk’s parents were among those who attended the event.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura is expected to visit the Reiger Park community on Monday, November 24.
– @FanieBoksburg
