The conduct of police task teams involved in investigating cash-in-transit robberies has raised serious concerns, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Deputy Director of Investigations Len John made the allegations while concluding his testimony before the commission on Wednesday.
John has been giving evidence about gang activity in the greater Durban area and alleged links between criminal networks and members of the police.
He told the commission that a task team involving Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Deena Govender received intelligence from Crime Intelligence about the alleged whereabouts of suspected cash-in-transit robbers.
However, John said the information was often not verified against existing case dockets or with detectives who were investigating the original crimes.
He also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding operations in which alleged perpetrators were killed, saying the incidents showed striking similarities.
According to John, many of the operations were conducted during the early hours of the morning, when there were fewer potential witnesses.
“These operations are frequently planned to be undertaken between 23:00 hours [and] 03:00 in the morning. A time when there is a reduced likelihood of witnesses being present to observe any wrongdoing by the members of the SAPS,” John told the commission.
He further alleged that police officers involved in some of the operations wore civilian clothing, balaclavas or face masks without visible South African Police Service insignia.
John's testimony has raised questions about the oversight and conduct of specialised police operations targeting suspected cash-in-transit criminals.
Tow-truck industry linked to alleged drug operations
John also repeated allegations concerning the tow-truck industry, claiming that some operators are being used to transport and distribute drugs across the country.
He further alleged that police officers are involved in these activities and have connections with certain tow-truck operators.
John stressed that his allegations do not apply to every tow-truck company or operator.
His evidence forms part of the commission's broader investigation into organised crime, gang activity and alleged police involvement in criminal networks, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.