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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), eleven months ago, stated there was enough evidence to prosecute the two police officers who pulled over Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her bodyguards for reckless and negligent driving.

The NPA also decided not to prosecute Madikizela-Mandela's obstruction of justice while charges were withdrawn against her bodyguard and driver for assault and reckless and negligent driving.

I challenged the NPA at the time to lay out all the evidence against Constable Abel Twala and Warrant Officer Jannie Odendaal for public scrutiny, in order to persuade us that there was no fault on the side of Madikizela-Mandela and her bodyguards.Yesterday, the state dropped all charges against the two officers, proving that they had no case in the first place.

This farce was a waste of public money and an indication that the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the NPA may have bowed to political pressure where a member of the untouchable political elite was involved.

Officers Twala and Odendaal should immediately have their suspension lifted by the SAPS. I call on Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Mzwandile Petros to do so immediately.
The fortitude of the officers in the face of the lack of support given them by SAPS management, for doing their job, must be commended. The SAPS and the NPA must at all times be truly independent and free of political influence allowing them to uphold the law, no matter who is at fault.