Cape Town - A police officer accused of colluding with underworld kingpin, Nafiz Modack, has finally been released on bail after a three-year court battle for freedom.
Speaking to the Cape Argus two days after his release from Goodwood Prison, former sergeant Ashley Tabisher maintained his innocence, saying he is confident in the justice system.
The 42-year-old father from Elsies River was catapulted into the spotlight in May 2021, when a large contingent of police descended on his home and charged him with corruption.
According to the State’s case, the former Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officer is accused of colluding with an affiliate of Modack – Amaal Jantjies, to provide information on raids by the elite police unit, claims he has always denied.
The State alleged that Tabisher received R10,000 and a cellphone from Jantjies, which Tabisher denied.
Defending himself, Tabisher put the evidence of the Hawks to the test and shocked the court when Captain
Trevor Shaw conceded they had no evidence that he received the cash or a cellphone.
As the State closed its case last week, Tabisher notified Judge Robert Henney that he would be bringing an application to be acquitted and said the following day he was contacted by the State prosecutors who said they would release him on bail.
“Advocate Blaine Lazarus came to the prison and said they would be releasing me on unopposed bail of R5,000 bail,” he said.
His home has since been filled with police, neighbours and friends who were overjoyed at his release.
Tabisher said after being reunited with his seven-year-old daughter, he realised what he had sacrificed for the SAPS.
“When I looked at her I realised what I gave up for the police.
“My family had to lie to her and say I was sent away for work because her emotional state would not be able to be understood.
“After all the years I worked and sacrificed my life to make the Cape Flats safe from gangsters, they did this knowing that I did nothing wrong.”
Adjusting to life outside prison, Tabisher recalled horror stories of being placed in a cell with gang bosses and feeling vulnerable as a former police officer.
“I maintain my innocence and I believe in the justice system. I maintain that I had no dealings with Modack and I am confident that the court will find the truth,” he said.