Police refute cover-up

THE SAPS are very concerned by the allegations made by family members of the deceased in the story “Mystery of student’s murder” (DD, September 19).

The matter has been reviewed and it is clear there was a lack of communication between the SAPS and the family members, explaining the developments in the case. We would like to refute in the strongest possible way any allegations of tampering, neglect of duty or a cover-up. It is imperative to put the following facts in the public domain:

● At the time the vehicle was found abandoned by patrolling K9 members on Saturday, September 17, there was no case of a missing person or any case reported of a stolen car. Foul play was not suspected at the time of the recovery of the vehicle, there was no blood or any indication of a struggle. SAPS crime scene experts were nevertheless called to examine the vehicle. Fingerprints were lifted, touch DNA conducted and items of clothing were collected for further testing;

● Following the circulation of the vehicle on SAPS systems, the owner was traced and located. He was notified of the recovery of his vehicle and after being verified as the rightful owner, the vehicle was handed to him. He then informed members the deceased was the last person to drive the vehicle and he was advised to immediately report the deceased as a missing person;

● Police last week attended to a scene where the body of a young man was recovered near Amalinda. Crime scene experts were called and all the required gathering of evidence and processing of the crime scene was conducted, including the plastic alleged to have been used to strangle the deceased. All the items have been sent to the fingerprint lab and for other tests.

We would like to assure the family there has been no neglect of duty nor did any tampering take place. Our experts and detectives will follow each and every lead to apprehend those involved in the murder. — Colonel Sibongile Soci, provincial commander: media communication