Ipid investigating ‘cover-up’ of officer who allegedly killed two boys

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has taken over a case from the South African Police Service (SAPS) after two children were allegedly run over by a policeman in Sandfontein, North West.

Ipid was made aware on Tuesday of social media reports of two children killed when they were run over by a vehicle driven by a police officer.

Spokesperson Moses Dlamini said the unit had taken over investigations after their investigator established the matter was not reported by police as required by the Ipid Act.

The statement from the Ipid desk states that in the event of an accident, such as that of the two boys – where they were hit by a man later identified as an officer – the Ipid Act, Section 28, states that the matter is classified as a death resulting from police action and should be immediately reported in writing to the Ipid members by the SAPS within 24 hours of being aware of the incident.

“Since no report was received by the Ipid as required by the law, a case of failure to report will be opened to determine who should be held accountable for such failure to report,” Dlamini said, adding it was an offence to not report matters that fall within the mandate of Ipid.

He said instructions were given to Ipid investigators to take over investigations so the case can be probed independently by Ipid.

North West provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed Ipid had taken over investigations, and said he could not comment on the matter any further.

Two boys were killed on Sunday, March 4, allegedly by an officer driving a silver BMW on the R510 Road in Sandfontein, and their family has yet to find justice.

Ipid’s involvement in the matter was brought about by a social media post in which a family member appealed to various law enforcement agencies, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, for assistance.

This is horrifying. Two little boys fatally hit by a car – allegedly driven by a police officer. Now grieving parents are reportedly being harassed by cops – and there’s no real movement on the SAPS investigation into these children’s deaths. @SAPoliceService we need answers! https://t.co/axLufk4CpJ

— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) April 10, 2018

The family member registered as Reginald Motsamai created a Twitter thread with details of the events on the day of the accident. He also alleged that one of the boys’ mother was being harassed by members of the police.

The two boys, Karabo Clive Malapane and Resego Clifford Khumalo, were both 14 when they were killed.

A culpable homicide docket was opened.

Ipid’s investigation will investigate why the station failed to report the matter, and they have lodged a case of failure to report against the station.

Guys please retweet this thread until it reaches the right people. Thank You in Advance .

On sunday the 4th of April 2018 , my nephew and his cousin where hit by a car on the R510 Raod in Sandfontein . pic.twitter.com/xCxqcd9uvR

— Reginald (@rmotsamai) April 9, 2018

According to the Twitter thread detailing the ordeal, Malapane and Khumalo were on a bicycle to buy ice-cream at a garage on the R510. A BMW allegedly hit and killed the boys on the scene.

The family went to the scene to retrieve the two bodies. The motorist was nowhere to be seen.

At around 14:00 on that sunday my Aunt along with my parent's arrived at the scene of the accident to find the dead body's of their children laying on the side of the road.And the person who killed them was nowhere to be seen .

— Reginald (@rmotsamai) April 9, 2018

The boys were taken to Phokeng Mortuary. A tow truck came to load silver BMW, which was later linked to the boy’s accident.

The boys were buried on March 10.

We cried, prayed for peace and on 10 March 2018.We laid our children to rest. I've never felt as much pain as I did on this morning. I will not wish upon my worst enemy the pain and trouble we went https://t.co/jHWKXqmGew this day it breaks me when I think of wat we sacrificed . pic.twitter.com/en5peHtp8l

— Reginald (@rmotsamai) April 9, 2018

An unconfirmed police response to the thread confirms that the man driving on the day was a member of the police service.

Police confirm that driver of the car that killed the two little boys was a SAPS official – and say a warning statement has been taken from him.
Thank you for responding @SAPoliceService.
We can only hope that these childrens' grieving families get answers, and justice is done pic.twitter.com/8fSzSSg3s7

— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) April 10, 2018

The statement also says the vehicle linked to the accident was privately owned.

The privately owned vehicle was driven by an officer working at the Thabazimbi Training Academy for police. Investigations into the matter continue, and a warning statement is said to have been obtained from the driver.

“The docket will be taken to prosecution for decision soon,” reads the statement, which added that no undue delay or below-par investigation had been detected regarding the case.

This was, however, dismissed by Ipid, who have confirmed they knew nothing of the case.