Issued by: Secretariat for Safety and Security
PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR AZHAR CACHALIA ON THE SHOBASHOBANE TRIAL AND JUDGEMENT IN THE DURBAN SUPREME COURT
1. The Secretariat for Safety and Security has taken note of the reported comments made by the judge, in his judgement delivered yesterday, in the trial relating to the "Shobashobane Massacre". Of concern, is the judge's reported criticism in a certain newspaper that the judge "took a swipe at the police's handling the case ... and that he understood why many witnesses could not trust the local police after the attack".
2. An urgent request has been made for a copy of the trial record and judgement and a considered response will be given thereafter. It must be stressed, however, that any allegation of police involvement in any act of misconduct in this matter is being seriously looked into.
3. The National Commissioner has already decided to hold an inquiry relating to the police handling of information prior to the attack. Further details in this regard will be issued in due course.
Statement released by: Mr A Cachalia Secretary for Safety and Security
Enquiries: Mr A Soman Tel: (012) 339 2571/2
26 March 1997