Six months after violent attack and statement yet to be taken
Police allegedly tried to solicit a bribe.
On 8 February, 65-year-old Ernst Swanepoel was violently attacked and stabbed in the street in front of his house, but more than six months later the police have yet to take his statement.
On the day in question, Swanepoel had just pulled his vehicle out of his garage on Naboom Street when two men pulled him out of the vehicle. One man immediately started stabbing him. During the struggle for his life he fought back and attempted to alert the neighbours. He also bit one of his attackers fingers. When the neighbours came out, the suspects fled, but they were arrested a short while later with the knife and Swanepoel’s cellphone in their possession. Both items were taken in as evidence.
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Swanepoel said the police promised him a detective would be appointed, but no-one has ever showed up. When he went to Roodepoort Police Station to retrieve his cellphone, a police member allegedly attempted to solicit money from him in return for the phone. Swanepoel went as far as getting his lawyer to approach the State Prosecutor but again only received empty promises.
He said he could not confirm it, but he had heard the two suspects had been set free.
“I have no confidence in the Roodepoort Police any more,” said a dejected Swanepoel.
The Record is in the process of obtaining comment from Roodepoort Police Station.
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