The second policeman in the alleged altercation with ANC veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela said he would not apologise for doing “his job”, the Rapport reported on Sunday.
“Mama Winnie is making this a racist issue. I am Black. How can I be racist towards other blacks. I will not apologise for doing my job,” said Constable Abel Twala.
Twala was with Warrant Officer Jannie Odendaal when they stopped Madikizela-Mandela's car on the M1 North in Johannesburg on December 30 because it was allegedly being driven recklessly at 150 kilometres per hour.
The officers said they believed the silver Audi A6 with tinted windows was “suspicious”.
But after stopping the vehicle, a bodyguard got out and told Odendaal Madikizela-Mandela was in the car.
An argument between the bodyguards and policemen is alleged to have ensued.
The bodyguards have laid a complaint with police of pointing a firearm and intimidation.
The policemen face an internal investigation.
In line with the police's internal disciplinary regulations the officers were temporally transferred until the investigation is concluded. They also had to hand in their guns.
“Due to the fact that the criminal charges are firearm-related, members were requested to hand in their firearms pending the outcome of the investigation,” Gauteng police spokesman Colonel Neville Malila said on Thursday.
“Tomorrow (Monday) we will be going to the provincial office to explain to our director why we should not be suspended. I am happy to go to court to state my case,” Twala said.
City Press reported that the two would be served with crimen injuria charges on Monday. - Sapa