The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has determined to investigate the conduct of police officers allegedly involved in the Phala Phala theft saga.
The Ipid’s resolution comes after the African Transformational Movement (ATM) laid a criticism with the investigating directorate.
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa farm theft: DA urges Parliament to summon Cele over cover-up allegations
In June, ATM President Vuyolwethu Zungula requested the Ipid to investigate allegations that police prime brass knew in regards to the alleged cover-up of the February 2020 theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
The investigating directorate on the time, nonetheless, indicated that Zungula should present extra info earlier than deciding to “fully investigate” the matter.
Defeating the ends of justice
On Tuesday, Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that the directorate would investigate, however solely to look into the alleged conduct of the police officers.
In a statement, Suping defined that it is because the Hawks have been additionally investigating the farm theft.
The Hawks acquired a docket into the theft from the South African Police Service (Saps) in June.
“The identical criticism is below investigation by the Hawks, and the directorate is in fixed contact with the crew from the Hawks assigned to probe the identical allegations.
“Even though these allegations involve senior members of Saps, Ipid would like to avoid a duplication of government resources in the investigation of the same matter,” Suping mentioned on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Phala Phala farm theft: Lamola was ‘in the dark’ about Namibia’s request
She additional mentioned the Hawks would investigate claims of defeating the ends of justice and kidnapping.
“Ipid will probe the alleged conduct of the police officers in phrases of the Saps regulation, whereas the Hawks is investigating the [alleged] prison ingredient by the Saps officers, which incorporates defeating the ends of justice and kidnapping.
“Ipid will pronounce on the outcome when the investigation is complete,” Suping concluded.
The Hawks has already met with former State Security Agency (SSA) director-general Arthur Fraser – who laid prison expenses in opposition to Ramaphosa and Presidential Protection Unit head, Wally Rhoode for concealing the theft – to present extra particulars in regards to the crime.
Fraser alleged that, amongst different claims, the suspects who broke into the president’s property have been kidnapped, interrogated, and paid to hold silent.
No prison case
The ATM, who referred to as for officers to be suspended pending an investigation, have since welcomed the Ipid’s investigation.
“The ATM is encouraged that the investigations by Ipid to establish the alleged irregular conduct of police officers in terms of Saps regulations have begun. The ATM working together with Ipid will keep the nation informed of progress without jeopardising the investigation,” the occasion mentioned in a tweet.
READ MORE: Phala Phala farmgate: Fannie Masemola’s clandestine use of police assets
The Ipid’s probe comes after National police commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that no prison case was opened with the police following the theft.
Masemola mentioned he had deposed an affidavit concerning the investigation, however didn’t go additional into the small print on the matter.
The workplace of the Public Protector had despatched a listing of questions to Masemola, asking the police commissioner to present an in depth assertion explaining whether or not the alleged theft had been reported to the police.
Masemola was additionally requested to be certain that Rhoode present an affidavit over his alleged position in the crime.
The prime brass in the Saps’ Crime Intelligence Division have been reportedly tasked with tracing the stolen cash and the suspects behind the theft.
NOW READ: Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala theft can be probed with out concern or favour – Batohi
