Booysen move another ‘witch hunt’
THE suspension of the exonerated KwaZuluNatal Hawks head, Johan Booysen, is nothing but a “witch-hunt” by newly appointed Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza.
This is according to the DA MP and spokeswoman on police, Dianne Kohler Barnard, who was reacting to Booysen’s suspension on Monday for allegations related to dishonesty and misrepresentation with intention to defraud the Hawks and gross misconduct.
Kohler Barnard said the party noted with concern the announcement that Booysen had been suspended.
This was without an “iota of prima facie evidence being provided by Ntlemeza”, she said.
“I will again write to the portfolio committee on police asking that Parliament be briefed on the rationale of such a suspension and press the committee to place this at the top of the agenda at the committee’s next sitting.”
Suspending Booysen, Ntlemeza said in a letter: “Serious allegations exist against you which warrant an exhaustive investigation and possible disciplinary charges being preferred against you.
“I have considered your representations and I am of the view that there is basis for placing you on precautionary suspension pending finalisation of the contemplated investigation.”
Booysen, who was recently interviewed for the position of the head of the Hawks – which was given to Ntlemeza – was cleared of all criminal and internal disciplinary charges against him last year.
He had been charged along with members of his unit. However, last month police claimed they were in possession of new evidence which they described as “explosive video footage and pictures”.
These allegedly showed Booysen and the controversial Cato Manor serious and violent crimes unit celebrating after allegedly executing suspects.
At the time, Booysen was the head of the disbanded Cato Manor unit, which stands accused of murdering 28 people and planting guns on their bodies to cover up their crimes.
According to a confidential document, the new evidence emerged after investigators again read the Cato Manor case dockets.
The Hawks’ new internal disciplinary charge sheet accuses him of failing to institute disciplinary steps against members of his unit who allegedly shot and killed Bongani Mkhize after he (Booysen) personally visited the crime scene.
In 2008 Mkhize secured a Durban High Court interdict, alleging police wanted to kill him after he was told police suspected him of masterminding the death of LieutenantColonel Zethembe Chonco. Four months later, Mkhize was killed.
In relation to a charge of fraud, it is alleged Booysen’s unit killed suspects to claim recognition awards from the SAPS and also conducted operations outside KwaZulu-Natal.
A commander must ensure members under his or her command comply with instructions to operate only within their province.
Booysen was not available for comment.