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Former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, Major General Johan Booysen.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi has alleged that former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, Major General Johan Booysen, together with members of the Cato Manor Police Unit, received monetary rewards from their employer for what he described as extrajudicial killings carried out under the guise of combating taxi violence in the province.
According to Ngcukaitobi, at least 28 suspects were killed and 23 racketeering dockets were opened against the unit for incidents that took place between 2008 and 2011.
He says these cases were later withdrawn following legal representations made by Booysen.
Ngcukaitobi has been cross-examining former KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Moipone Noko at the Nkabinde Inquiry.
The inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Bes Nkabinde is investigating the fitness of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold office.
Advocate Ngcukaitobi is appearing on behalf of Chauke.
Questions over monetary awards dominated the final day of Advocate Moipone Noko’s testimony before the inquiry.
Under advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi’s cross-examination, Advocate Noko told the inquiry that awards were paid to individuals said to have contributed to the Cato Manor Unit’s success.
Among them, former Hawks provincial head Major General, Johan Booysen.
Advocate Noko also revealed that the operation produced no arrests as the suspects were killed.
“It says each of the above candidates plays a role in the successful apprehension of the suspect, some of the candidates played a role in the apprehension of the suspect while others assisted at the scene.”
Nkabinde raised concerns about the handling of ballistic evidence at crime scenes linked to the Cato Manor Police Unit.
Her remarks followed Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi’s presentation of graphic images showing victims, who had been shot and killed.
Nkabinde questioned whether proper protocol was followed – specifically, questioning which officials should be called first to a crime scene.
Former KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Moipone Noko explains: “The police should have called the ballistic experts and also it shows how consistently what Mr Danika said that the crime scenes will be manipulated before they could even continue. So, when the police and forensic get called the scene has already been mixed up and they will get something that is not accurate. But, if it’s the police they were the first one on the scene they shouldn’t touch anything but call the forensic experts.”
Tensions escalated between evidence leader, Advocate David Mtshweni and Advocate Moipone Noko.
Advocate Mtshweni: “When I read your document again I could, when I stopped reading, I could see General Booysen has been mentioned a number of times.”
Advocate Noko: “Advocate Mtshweni I think it would be fair if you don’t just say General Booysen mentioned as if I have been with him. I don’t know him and I have never met with him.”
