SAPS probe Nando’s shooting

THE SAPS have initiated an internal process against some of their members following the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (Ipid) recommendation that the officers involved in the killing of a Nando’s employee face a disciplinary hearing.

This as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) referred the docket back to Ipid for further investigation. The NPA wants Ipid to look at matters raised by the lawyers of the families of the victims.

Ipid had concluded its investigation into the murder of Nando’s employee Phumeza Fudumele and attempted murder of her colleague who was wounded during the incident in February last year.

The employees were on their way home after working the late shift in Parklands, Table View, when police opened fire on their staff vehicle in Dunoon, near Milnerton.

Yesterday police spokesperson Andre Traut said: “SAPS acknowledges receipt of Ipid recommendations pertaining to the case referred to. Upon receipt of the Ipid recommendations, a process was initiated internally and it is under way.”

Ipid spokesperson Moses Dlamini told the Cape Times the matter was being finalised. They were waiting for a technical ballistic query that needed to be finalised.

“It is being attended to in consultation with the SAPS Ballistic Unit and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Once it is finalised, the docket will be returned to DPP for further action.

“With respect to the Ipid disciplinary recommendations to SAPS, Ipid is awaiting feedback from the SAPS,” he said.

Fudumela’s mother, Thozama Fudumela, said the family did not see progress in the matter.

“The lawyers assisting us say government doesn’t want to pay. If they do not pay, how are my grandchildren supposed to live? I am faced with a difficulty that in South Africa, even when you kill a dog, action is taken against you.

“This is not so when it comes to our case. When a police officer is shot dead, government comes out strong, but no one has said anything when police kill innocent people they were supposed to protect,” she said. siyavuya.mzantsi@inl.co.za