Policing politics took centre stage at the Western Cape High Court yesterday when a former Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) member took the stand in the murder trial of Ameerodien Noordien.
Former detective Sergeant Chesron de Vries, 34, boldly testified against alleged hitman Adrian Carelse who, along with Raydin Lekuta, is accused of mercilessly gunning down the young Gift of the Givers volunteer.
Ameerodien, 19, was killed while walking in Surwood Walk on 5 October 2018.
His death sparked widespread calls for police intervention and, within days, Police Minister Bheki Cele deployed his new Anti-Gang Unit in the area and Carelse and Lekuta were busted.
The duo face murder, attempted murder and firearm-related charges.
De Vries told the court that, along with the late Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear, he was assigned to investigate Ameerodien’s murder following an outcry from the community.
He said several days after the murder, he was called to Philippi Police Station where Carelse had handed himself over to former acting station commander, Colonel Dawood Laing.
De Vries said he took four warning statements, which included the murder of Austin Felix, and said Carelse gave no indication that he had been shot at by the Ghetto Kids gang.
He explained that during the formation of the AGU, detectives were split into three teams and he was reassigned to another case.
Questioned by the judge on his reasons for leaving SAPS after 14 years of service, De Vries said due to politics in the police force he opted to work as a private investigator and was registering his own company.
“There was too much political interference in our departments, as you should know, my Lord. I am still doing something that is beneficial to the community,” he said.
During his time in the force, he says he came across various questionable actions by police officers and said the murder of Ameerodien was among the most horrific murders he had been assigned to.
“I would just like to put it out to the community that while we do have dedicated police officers out there, we can’t do it without the community.
“This accused in front of court, My Lord, wouldn’t be here without the community’s assistance.”
Commenting on complaints about slapgat cops in the province, De Vries shared advice from his mentor, saying: “It’s the dedication and mindset that needs to change at the end of the day.
“The late Lieutenant-Colonel Kinnear always used to say must we get you a job at Shoprite? Because you can make bread there until 5 o’clock. Because if you want to work until a certain time then you are not in SAPS.”