Police suspensions on table during Mugabe s visit
THE controversial deportation of Zimbabwean suspects, which is now at the centre of the crisis in the SA Police Service, is set to feature in the discussions between South Africa and Zimbabwe from tomorrow.
Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe will pay only his second state visit to South Africa since his last under former president Nelson Mandela 21 years ago.
Sowetan has established that the Zimbabwean delegation wanted to raise the issue of the rendition of the Zimbabwean suspects in 2010, after which some were murdered by the police in that country.
Hawks national head Anwa Dramat and the elite crime-fighting unit ’ s Gauteng head Shadrack Sibiya are currently on suspension for the renditions, together with some of their subordinates who carried out the operation.
The head of police watchdog, Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Robert McBride is also on suspension for producing contradictory reports on the renditions.
It has emerged the Zimbabwean authorities have met with some of the cops involved in the operation on a fact-finding mission ahead of Mugabe ’ s visit.
Police Minister Nathi Nhleko is part of the delegation of ministers who will be alongside Zuma when he meets Mugabe.
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will also form part of the South African delegation.
A senior government official said South Africa would, on the other hand, raise economic issues including Mugabe ’“s indigenisation ” policy, which threatens South African companies trading in that country.
Under the policy, foreign-owned businesses are expected to transfer half of ownership to the state.
“A stable Zimbabwe is in the interest of South Africa. South Africa can ’ t afford the meltdown like the one we had. Zimbabweans come here and become a problem to SA government. They are also accused of all sorts of things during xenophobic attacks, ” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Nhleko ’ s spokesman Musa Zondi could not confirm that the renditions would be discussed.
“This is a state visit not a police minister ’ s visit. [Department of international relations and cooperation] will be a correct department to ask these questions, ” he said.