Vearey upset about smaller security detail

DESPITE having his security detail reinstated after his dismissal from the police service, ex top cop Jeremy Vearey said he and his family would remain in hiding while he intends to file a contempt of court report as it was a “downgrade” from previous security measures.

Last week, an order by the high court stated that Vearey would have his security detail reinstated due to security threats while he is expected to testify in cases involving alleged underworld figures currently before court.

Vearey was dismissed on the grounds of misconduct for posts he made on social media and his security was immediately removed.

In a statement, Vearey said “only two” officers reported after the order was handed down on Thursday last week.

“This is a downgrade of the previous state of affairs when I had a four-member escort team with two vehicles.

“One of them told me he was called directly by the provincial acting head of Legal Services, Brigadier Jojo, and instructed accordingly on the deployment.

“(Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile) Patekile also did not want me to ride in a police vehicle so they were instructed to do mere escort services.

“They have no brief to cover me 24 hours and will only work normal shift hours, then leave,” said Vearey.

According to Vearey, the security – which included two vetted Tactical Response Unit officers – did not include static protection at home. He said this was “in contravention” of the order by the high court and he would be filing a contempt of court report.

The order further stated that the security would increase to four officers on days when he would have to attend court proceedings and for any necessary travel.

“This is a further downgrade of deployment despite the fact that the risk has escalated and the threat has not changed.

“It is also in direct contravention of the high court order for the protection to be reinstated.

“I have instructed my attorneys to challenge this in court as well as write to the SAPS to this effect...

“I therefore remain in hiding with my family away from home and will continue to do so until the SAPS can read and implement the high court order properly, let alone implement it without malice or further deliberately recklessly endanger my life.

“It also recklessly endangers the lives of only two SAPS members assigned to me and can become a labour dispute in terms of their occupational health and safety,” said Vearey.

Police did not respond to requests for comments by deadline.