The IFP has accused the police of apathy regarding security at the courts following the death of Sipho Ndovela, who was gunned down yesterday at the Umlazi court, South of Durban.
“An incident similar to this one at Umlazi reminds us of our supporter who was gunned down at the Ntuzuma court in full view of the police not so long ago. The culprit in that case has not been brought to book because the court says that there is insufficient evidence. How can this be when the shooting took place in full view of the police and the gun was confiscated from the culprit? Such incidents need to be addressed urgently. We feel that police are lax in checking people at the entrances. We are of the view that the walkthrough gates are not working properly and the police officials are not checking visitors or their bags thoroughly. Senior police officials seem to be reluctant about taking appropriate steps to address the situation. The real question is, how do we keep magistrates, lawyers, witnesses and the public equally safe? If people cannot feel safe in a court of law when police are present, it sends a very negative message about our criminal justice system,” said IFP KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“We hold the SAPS responsible for being negligent in not investigating the Ntuzuma shooting and that is why this incident has now occurred. If these criminals are allowed to go free no one will feel safe in courts. These sorts of incidents will occur more frequently if they are not nipped in the bud. We call on the police to ensure that they arrest Ndovela’s killers. Furthermore, the KZN Police Commissioner Lt Mamonye Ngobeni must ensure that those responsible for killing people in Glebe hostel are held into account,” concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by:
IFP KZN Spokesperson on Community Safety,
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL, 078 290 5842
For Media Queries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase,
IFP KZN Legislature Media Officer, 073 024 5675
