COSATU disturbed by murder of forensic investigator

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is deeply disturbed by the murder of a forensic investigator who was believed to be on the verge of cracking a 'guns for hire' case within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

Zenzele Benedict Sithole was part of the City of Johannesburg Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) which is tasked with investigating fraud, corruption and maladministration within the police department. Sithole had been investigating the use of JMPD guns in cash-in-transit (CIT) heists when he was murdered. It has been alleged that some JMPD officers were assisting criminals involved in cash-in-transit heists by renting out department guns in exchange for fees.

The investigation was prompted by an internal compliant after a senior superintendent noticed that more guns were booked out over weekends. The rifles (R5s) and corresponding ammunition were kept at a safe in Randburg, but criminals are said to have access to the safe, take the firearms, use them and return them to the safe along with money.

Sources close to the case say Sithole was about to expose the officers involved in the scheme when he was brutally murdered at an intersect in Booysens last Thursday in what appeared to be an assassination.

It is very worrying to learn that the very people charged with protecting society are reported to be aiding and abetting criminals. It is even more infuriating when one considers that CIT guards, workers, are constantly at risk of being shot at and killed or having their vehicles bombed whenever they report for work. Crime statistics released in February this year showed that 46 CIT heists were recorded in a space of three months, down from 57 the previous quarter. Discovering that officers of the law are enabling this to happen is frankly unforgivable.

COSATU calls on law enforcement authorities to do everything in their power to apprehend everyone responsible for Sithole's murder and to ensure everyone involved in the 'guns for hire' scheme is prosecuted and imprisoned.

Justice must be done for Sithole and his family must be fully compensated for their loss. Legislation and protection for law enforcement and whistleblowers must be drastically strengthened.

Issued by COSATU

For more information please contact:

Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson)

Cell: 079 287 5788

Email: [email protected]

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