‘Death squad’ allegedly planted evidence

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Unlicensed guns were planted next to the bodies of 14 suspects killed during operations by the Durban Organised Crime Unit, the State has alleged.

This was allegedly to create the impression that the lives of the police officers effecting the arrests were in danger, according to a preliminary indictment of the policemen filed in court.

Most of the suspects had died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Eighteen members of the Cato Manor unit are facing 71 charges in connection with alleged “hit squad” activities.

The accused are Gonasagren Padayachee, Adriaan Stolz, Mossie Mostert, Eric Nel, Neville Eva, Adjith Ghaness, Phumela Makhanya, Willie Olivier, Peter George, Thembinkosi Mkhwanazi, Wilbard Thabete, Enock Mdlalose, Johnny Smith, Jeremy Marten, Shane Naidoo, Raymond Lee, Anton Lockham and Bruce McInnes.

The alleged killings started on May 24, 2008, when Thabo Msimango was shot dead at his Greyville home.

The State alleges that the accused broke open the door to Msimango’s flat with a crowbar and shot at him. He ran to the balcony of his third floor flat and fell over. More shots were allegedly fired after he fell.

A firearm was allegedly planted next to his body.

On November 23, 2008, it has been alleged the accused went to Melmoth where Velaphi Bongani Biyela was shot dead.

His father, Mhlekiseni Richard Biyela, claimed he saw his son’s naked body lying on the floor of his rondavel and a gun allegedly planted next to his body.

In other incidents, the State alleges that:

*On April 27, 2009, Thokozani Gladwell Njapa was shot dead in KwaMashu. A .357 revolver with its serial number filed off was placed at the scene.

*On August 10, 2009, Lindokuhle Phillip Nzuza was driving along Malandela Road, near Phoenix, when he was shot dead. An unlicensed firearm was found next to his body.

*On November 26, 2009, police forced their way into Sakhile Prince Thabede’s KwaMashu home and fired shots at him. He died instantly. An unlicensed .38 revolver with ammunition was placed next to his body.

*On April 1, 2010, at eSikhawini, 16-year-old Kwazi Wiseboy Ndlovu was shot dead. A 9mm pistol with no serial number was placed next to his body. His parents, Sibusiso and Lindiwe Ndlovu, witnessed the shooting.

*On May 10, 2010, Musawakhe Ngcobo, Xolani Ngcobo and Sydney Shezi, were shot dead in uMlazi. Two firearms and 14 rounds of live ammunition were planted at the scene.

*On July 4, 2011, three suspects, believed to be linked to a spate of armed robberies, were shot dead. Jabulani Camson Bhengu was shot dead while driving near the corner of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti roads in Glenashley, and a semi-automatic rifle was placed at the scene.

*The accused then allegedly went to Glastonbury Avenue, in Somerset Park, where Dumisani Mgobhozi was shot dead. A while later, Boyzie Sibusiso Mbonambi was shot dead while hiding in a bin in Midsomer Crescent, in the same area. Unlicensed guns were found next to both bodies.

*On September 4, 2011, at Mabuyeni Reserve, at eSikhawini, Qinisani Philangenkosi Gwala was killed in a case of mistaken identity, and a .38 revolver placed next to his body.

 

The State alleges that all the crimes were committed by the accused in the execution of common purpose. - Daily News