Cape Town - Police Minister Bheki Cele’s anti-gang unit has nabbed the alleged leader of the Six Bob gang after he apparently helped a suspected killer escape.
However, before Desmond Swartz, 38, could make his first appearance at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the senior state prosecutor decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute him.
Swartz was facing charges of “defecting the course of justice” and being in possession of an undisclosed amount of dirty money, confirmed by sources to be R80 000, which was found at his home in Bosbok Street, Lotus River, on Thursday.
Swartz was arrested on Friday as cops believe the money was being used for illegal activities.
He was released from the court holding cells on Monday morning before even stepping into the dock.
Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirms his arrest and says he was charged with defecting the court of justice because he helped a suspect escape as opposed to being the suspect himself.
“A 38-year-old was arrested on a charge of defecting the course of justice on Friday, 26 October,” she says.
“On October 25, an undisclosed amount of money was found at the suspect’s residence and was handed in at Grassy Park Police Station by the Gang Unit after Desmond Swartz could not prove the money was earned by way of lawful activities, and it is believed that money is the proceeds of unlawful activities. An enquiry was opened at Grassy Park Police Station.”
Cops swooped on the house, believing Swartz had assisted a wanted murder suspect known as Jamiel “Charra” Jacobs to escape their clutches.
Jacobs is wanted by Steenberg police for two murders and three attempted murders.
Local crime fighters say they are disappointed Swartz has been set free, claiming he has several strongholds in areas like New Horizon, Lotus River, Grassy Park, Schaapkraal and Strandfontein.
“It is a shame he has been freed because he is big trouble for us here in Schaapkraal,” says a crime fighter who asked not to be identified.
“He is the one who provides drugs to gangs and he has houses all over, as far as Strandfontein. He is not only involved in gangs but also the drug trade.”
Two weeks ago cops raided Swartz’s home, during which one of his dogs attacked a policeman, and it was shot dead in self-defence.