DURBAN - A TEAM of detectives investigating the 36 murders in Phoenix during the unrest last month has been increased in number to 31 to speedily bring justice to the victims’ families.
Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed this during his visit to Phoenix and the neighbouring settlements of Bhambayi, Amaoti and Zwelisha on Sunday to provide them with feedback on the police investigation.
In Phoenix, the meeting was attended by community leaders and organisations representing the community, who were to report back to residents.
“Thirty-six people have been arrested for these murders. Our team is working around the clock with three prosecutors to ensure that cases are strong and will not be thrown out of court,” said Cele.
Previously, only 27 cases were regarded as murder cases but this number has increased to 33. “Families of the victims have requested justice. These murders were so gruesome that I have personally struggled to finish watching videos of these murders,” he said.
“We have received complaints from the community, asking why the faces of the alleged perpetrators were not shown and their names not printed. I have spoken to the Department of Justice, and I was told they were awaiting an identification parade. From Wednesday, everyone will see the faces of those accused of the Phoenix murders.”
Cele said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate was investigating the role of the police during the unrest.
“It is important to look at how we deal with racial tensions going forward, once the defence force leaves the area.
“Police are also investigating the role played by private security in the area during the unrest. Seven companies are being investigated, one of which is the KZN VIP Security Services.”
He said the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority was also taking action. “(Some) 152 firearms have been collected from private security and sent for ballistics tests. When police raided Phoenix, 130 illegal firearms were seized.”
He said it was untrue that recovered looted food was being destroyed.
“Recovered food is being redistributed to orphanages, old age homes, etc. Police are working with the departments of Health and Social Development on this.”
Regarding looted appliances, Cele said retailers had requested to see their appliances’ serial numbers and would decide what to do with them.
“Some have said they will donate these to the orphanages and old age homes – as they were now second-hand goods.
“Stop racism now. Say no to racism. There should be no classification of people because of their race or colour.”
He warned that racism had resulted in the death of many people and extra effort was required to bring about peace in the area.
One resident complained that police had raided the area without search warrants, but provincial police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the law permitted that in emergency situations.
The session, which was meant to bring about solutions to the racial tensions in Phoenix, turned into a heated argument after one of the community leaders condoned what had happened in Phoenix and refused to retract his statement. He did not apologise and walked out of the meeting.
ANC ward 51 branch secretary Bheki Khumalo was disappointed with the “defensive attitude”.
“We expect leaders to provide leadership. Phoenix is for every South African,” Khumalo said.
Cele warned that if the racial tension was allowed to get out of hand, it might be impossible to stop.
Sham Maharaj, of the Ubuntu African Association, said criminality could never be tolerated.
Pastor Niven Lamoen said: “A common man did not have what it took to commit gruesome murders, but criminals did.”
Phoenix resident Musa Myeni said she was victimised during the unrest by her neighbours and the people she grew up with.
Ntombikayise Luthuli said her car, used to bring in income for her family, was damaged and her son was attacked.
Democratic Liberal Congress leader Patrick Pillay felt a lot had to be done to reduce the vulnerabilities of the Indian community who were attacked, intimidated and harassed while using public transport services to travel to Durban via KwaMashu.
Civic group African United Action (AUA) handed over a memorandum to the Phoenix police station on Saturday. AUA national convener Sifiso Mnyala called for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry into the killings, and the provision of mobile clinics and police stations in informal settlements around Phoenix. Mnyala said African communities were still dependent on Phoenix for basic services.
Nine Phoenix residents allegedly linked to a range of crimes during the unrest were expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. They face charges of murder and attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen goods and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Daily News