The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has recommended that action be taken against City cops accused of beating a Manenberg father to death.
The family of Kashief Jacobus, 44, say they’ve been waiting more than six months to hear what will happen to officers of the Metro Police’s Gang and Drugs Task Team (GDTT) and Law Enforcement, who allegedly smacked and kicked the dad of eight until he was unconscious.
In August last year, the officers approached a group of men gambling on the corner of Pecos and Renoster roads.
Relatives say Kashief was called over by a cop who smacked him across the face and he fell to the ground.
He was then allegedly kicked by another officer and when he did not respond, the cops allegedly panicked and took him away.
PROBE: Kashief had died of unnatural causes. PHOTO: MONIQUE DUVAL.
Mom, Hazel, 60, says she went to Manenberg SAPS to find her son, but was told he was not arrested and not in the cells.
She also went to Heideveld Day Hospital where they were told an unidentified man was brought in but transferred to Groote Schuur Hospital the night before.
The next day Hazel spotted the same unit in Manenberg, questioned them and was later visited by two detectives who told her Kashief was dead.
The case was investigated by Manenberg police and transferred to Ipid.
The death certificate indicates Kashief died of unnatural causes.
The police report states that detectives were called to Groote Schuur after a man “who was assaulted and with extensive head injuries” was admitted.
Metro Police chief, Wayne le Roux, commented on the incident at the time, saying officers had reacted to a complaint of people gambling, drinking and smoking dagga in public.
“It was during the pursuit of the suspects that a member of the public apparently tried to obstruct officers, but fell and hit his head,” he said.
OFFICIAL: Death certificate. PHOTO: MONIQUE DUVAL.
“The officers attempted to assist the injured person on the scene, but decided to take the man to hospital as a crowd had gathered and the situation was becoming hostile.
“The injured person was taken to Heideveld Day Hospital where he received treatment.”
Safety and Security Director, Richard Bosman, did not respond to questions this week, saying: “The matter is under investigation by the South African Police Service and is sub judice.”
Ipid spokesperson, Moses Dlamini, confirms their investigation into the officers has been completed and wrongdoing has been established.
“We recommended departmental steps in terms of the SAPS disciplinary regulations against Metro members. The docket is with the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.”