Krugersdorp police’s station commander suspended
Ipid officials informed the members of parliament that their investigation was completed.
Krugersdorp police’s station commander, Brigadier Dalipkimar Baijnath, was issued a notice of suspension after failing to act on the execution style killing of alleged robbery suspect Khulekani Mpanza.
Mpanza’s killing was highly publicised in national media after CCTV footage of the police’s brutality went viral.
In today’s sitting of parliament, members learned of Baijnath’s suspension after acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane briefed parliament’s portfolio committee.
The four constables involved in the incident, which took place on 19 October in Lewisham, Titus Mabela, Jason Segole, Puleng Sebetwa and Dipuo Chipu have already appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. Chipu was the only constable released on bail of R5 000.
Phahlane said while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) was doing the criminal investigation, disciplinary action would be taken by the SA Police Service.
“In this case, the provincial commissioner issued notices of suspension with the provision that we must get responses within 48 hours, following which the suspension would then be activated,” said Phahlane.
Ipid officials informed the members of parliament that their investigation was completed.
The constables will appear in court again on 10 November.
Related articles:
• [GRAPHIC VIDEO] Suspect lies in pool of blood after ‘execution’
• Update: Cops hand themselves over
• Executing cops in court tomorrow
• Mpanza killing: one officer released on bail
