Angry magistrate slams ex-cop for tardiness
A LIVID magistrate ordered a former police officer – charged with soliciting a bribe from five men and suppressing evidence in an attempted murder case – to be held in custody briefly yesterday.
Andy Hendricks – who was dismissed from SAPS – has been charged with fraud, theft and defeating the ends of justice for allegedly suppressing evidence in a case against Chad De Matos, Aaron Mack, Mitchell Turner and two others accused of assaulting Delia Adonis in October last year.
The charge against the three men was withdrawn when the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to prosecute.
Magistrate Karel Meyer’s anger at Hendricks stemmed from the accused not showing up at his previous hearing.
Hendricks was shocked when magistrate Karel Meyer ordered him into the holding cells at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
Meyer interrogated Hendricks and defence attorney Carlos Langeveldt yesterday about why he failed to appear in court last month.
Langeveldt said Hendricks had been ill.
“It doesn’t work like that. You can’t just say you were ill and then not pitch for a court date.
“What do you have to say, Mr Langeveldt?” Meyer asked.
“My client would like to ask the court for forgiveness, your worship,” Langeveldt responded.
Meyer then asked: “What was wrong with him?”
“His legs were swollen, your worship,” the defence attorney said.
“And what did he use to remedy this?” Meyer questioned.
“Your worship, he used vinegar,” said Langeveldt.
State Prosecutor Waldo Miller requested a postponement to May 30 for the State to summon witnesses.
The State’s witnesses include De Matos, Mack, Turner, Keegan Gray, James Carter and Adonis.
Meyer added: “At this point I feel the accused should be held in custody.”
A shocked Hendricks went sheepishly down into the holding cells.
Before adjourning the matter Meyer instructed Langeveldt to fetch his client and warned Hendricks that this was his “last chance”. carlo.petersen@inl.co.za @carlo_petersen