Disgraced former gang cop told to finalise plea

A FORMER member of the Port Elizabeth gang task team who allegedly kept mum on the whereabouts of a notorious gangster – also her then secret lover – was given a stern warning to take steps to finalise her plea, the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court has ruled.

Detective Constable Alicia Beeming was back in court to face a charge of defeating the ends of justice.

She indicated in May that she would plead guilty but has yet to give a formal instruction to her attorney.

Defence attorney Hennie Bence asked the court to postpone the matter for two weeks so Beeming could give him instruction for the drafting of her guilty plea.

State prosecutor Jason Thysse said his hands were tied as this was the second time Beeming had failed to consult her attorney.

Magistrate Onke Myataza warned Beeming not to skip another consultation with her lawyer.

“We are in the same position up until today.

“If you don’t consult with your lawyer you are putting yourself in a precarious position because I could rule the case proceeds,” said Myataza.

Following her departmental hearing in November, Beeming was sent back to the Motherwell Police Station where she works within the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.

Police had earlier confirmed that Beeming had been found guilty and had to pay a fine of R2 400. She was given a sanction of dismissal suspended for six months on condition she is not guilty of similar misconduct.