Issued by: Ministry Justice and Constitutional Development
8 November 2000
Justice Minister, Dr Penuell Maduna, wishes to express his outrage and dismay at the brutality, inhuman and barbaric attack on three alleged illegal immigrants, by six members from the North Rand Police Dog Unit.
"The nature of the crime committed by these Police officers is despicable and unforgivable indeed" the Minister said. He is relieved in that the culprits have already being arrested. The Minister wishes to congratulate the Minister for Safety and Security, Mr Steve Tshwete and the National Police Commissioner, Mr Jackie Selebe, for their swift and decisive actions in ordering the immediate arrest of those responsible.
The Minister added further that he will be discussing the incident with the National Director for Public Prosecutions, Mr Bulelani Ngcuka, with a view to ensuring that bail is vigorously opposed. The Minister hopes that the courts will sent a clear message that racial crimes and other forms of inhuman treatment of people, especially when committed by people entrusted with the safety and security of the public, will not be tolerated in our democratic and human rights sensitive country.
"The evil incident took place early in 1998, and the perpetrators ought to have been in jail already if the tape was made available timeously", the Minister added. He therefore, appeals to the criminal justice system to expedite the case. "The country would like to see justice taking its course expeditiously", concluded Dr Maduna.
Issued by Paul Setsetse
Media Spokesperson to the Minister
Cell: 0832524770