Durban - THE trial concerning a Bayview policeman’s alleged involvement in selling police equipment to criminals has been postponed for six months after the magistrate was booked off sick.
Police Warrant Officer Samuel Govindasamy, 46, appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Tuesday. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI-Hawks) arrested Govindasamy and Bayview police station cleaner Inderaj Bisoondaram, 54, in 2017.
According to the charge sheet, Govindasamy allegedly stole 14 x 9mm magazines, 50 live rounds, 46 R5 rifle rounds, 19 shotgun live rounds and 49 x 9mm short live rounds of ammunition.
He is also accused of stealing 11 bulletproof vests, a police radio and items of SAPS uniform, including firearm holsters, trousers, shirts and skirts, from police stations in and around Chatsworth.
Both were accused of contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The duo allegedly stole the items and sold them on April 21, 2017 for R8 800 in Chatsworth and more on April 28, 2017 for R10 000 near a primary school in the township. Govindasamy is out on bail.
DPCI-Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said that between April and October 2017, the two were selling police equipment, including bulletproof vests, pepper spray, live rounds of ammunition and police uniform items.
Govindasamy’s attorney, Sasha Lee, said a trial date was set for this week but due to unforeseen circumstances it had to be remanded to August 2021. It is alleged that the magistrate, who cannot be named, is undergoing a medical procedure.
Mhlongo said that on February 4, 2021 Bisoondaram was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for various counts including corruption.
Bisoondaram was found guilty in November last year of conspiracy to commit corruption, corruption, unlawful possession of stolen property, unlawful wearing or use of police uniform, unlawful possession of ammunition and theft.
The cleaner was further sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.
Daily News