In a surprise move on Thursday morning, axed national police commissioner Bheki Cele pitched at the Durban Magistrate’s Court, in what is believed to be a show of support for members of the Durban Organised Crime Unit, Cato Manor.
The unit’s 20 members are applying for bail after being arrested at their homes by a Hawks task team on Wednesday.
All attention turned to Cele, when he walked into the court alone with a black bag.
When asked if he was in court as a show of support for the members Cele smiled and said:
“This is a public court. I am free to be here.”
He then made his way to the 12th floor, where he sat in the gallery with family and friends of the accused.
A source, who had spoken to Cele, said he appreciated the work of the unit and was there to support them.
“He understands members put their lives on the live fighting hardened criminals. His support is welcomed by the members.”
Outside the courtroom, members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the State’s high profile legal team and representatives of the National Prosecuting Authority including former spokesman, Tlali Tlali, gathered.
Apparent attempts by the State’s counsel to privately interview the three arrested members of the KZN National Intervention Unit as possible Section 204 witnesses, were quashed after the members’ attorney Carl van der Merwe intervened.
Regional Court president Eric Nzimande, who is presiding over the case, ordered the members could not be interviewed without Van der Merwe present.
The matter was adjourned for Van der Merwe to consult with his clients.
It is believed that two of the men had turned state’s witness.
Magistrate Sharon Marks earlier recused herself from the matter – most of the accused are known to her.
Sources close to the accused who managed to visit them in the cells this morning, said while members were maintaining a positive attitude, the stress of their arrest was evident.
“The are okay. But, its been tough for them to be on the other side of the law. Also, some of them are facing multiple counts of murder. If convicted, they could go to jail for a long time. This is worrying for them and their families.”
Outside the court, about 20 supporters of the disbanded unit gathered with placards, slamming the arrest of the members.
Penny Katz, who had started an online support group when the unit was disbanded in February said she had faith in the members and was supporting the bail application.
Bronwyn Grey, of the Save The Rhino group, said she was throwing her weight behind the unit because of their anti-rhino poaching efforts.
Harry Maharaj feared the crime rate would soar following the arrest of the members. He said he wanted them back in action.
Bev Green said she believed in the principle of innocent until proven guilty. She said she disagreed with the manner in which they were arrested.
Grant Halliday said he did not know the members personally but supported their work. He said the unit’s arrests and convictions spoke for itself.
Shiraan Sultan said the members should be granted bail. He said he did not believed they operated as a “hit squad”. - Daily News