Media release

Government welcomes sentencing of former policemen

11 November 2015

11 November 2015

Government welcomes the sentencing of eight former Daveyton policemen for the murder of Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia.

The Pretoria High Court on Wednesday sentenced the officers to 15 years each behind bars for Macia’s death. Macia was arrested and dragged behind a police van on 13 February 2013.

Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams said the sentence should serve a deterrent to anyone who takes law into their own hands regardless of their position or standing in society.

“Government welcomes the sentencing of the officers and applaud the judicial system and law enforcement agencies for ensuring that justice is served. This sentencing is a clear indication that the law will take its cause to ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are dealt with harshly.

“The law enforcement agencies are there to protect society and  ill-discipline  by any law enforcement officers will not be tolerated and should be strongly condemned. Government is committed to continuously strengthen  its efforts to ensure community safety for all people that live in South Africa.”

“Government has put in place mechanisms to address issues pertaining to law enforcement officials; key among this is the Independent Police Investigative Directorate whose objective is to investigate and prevent any corruption or criminal act within the police service,” Williams said.

She added that: “Generally, police are doing a sterling job to serve and protect communities. However, we will not allow their good work to be tainted by a few officers who are taking the law into their own hands.”

Government encourages communities to work with police officers to deal with issues of crime and criminality.

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

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