Cops fired over death in cell

THE SAPS has fired eight police officers over the death of Mozambican taxi driver Madio Macia in a police cell after being dragged behind a police van.

National police commissioner Riah Phiyega said this yesterday when she addressed the SAPS's oversight committee in parliament.

While not elaborating on the death of Macia while in police custody on the East Rand in Gauteng last year, after the briefing Phiyega referred questions to spokesman Solomon Makgale.

The footage of Macia being dragged behind a police vehicle went viral last year after his arrest for obstructing traffic with his taxi was recorded on a cellphone.

Makgale said the men, who had been suspended without pay, had been axed earlier this week following disciplinary processes.

"It's finished between us and them ... so what is left now is the criminal investigation," he said.

"It would be unfair to expect management to protect people who do not abide by the code of conduct they've taken under oath and conduct themselves in a manner that is totally unbecoming and brings the organisation into disrepute."

The men who were axed were constables Lungisa Chalmers Gwababa, Bongani Kolisi, Percy Jonathan Mnisi, Bongumusa Mdluli, Sipho Sidwell Ngobeni, Mbongeleni Thamsanqa Ngema and warrant officers Alfred Linda Sololo and Mishack Malele.

Makgale said the men were found guilty of:

•  Failing to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of Macia;
•  The common law offence of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm;
•  Failing, without justification, to disclose knowledge about the incident to the SAPS or to take reasonable steps to help the SAPS to acquire knowledge of the assault;
•  Making false statements or giving false evidence in the execution of their duties; and
•  Arresting Macia under unwarranted circumstances. - Denise Williams