Key Takeaways:
- Eleven members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) are accused of murdering an alleged gangster, Wade Price, and are claiming that the State is putting them in harm’s way by keeping them in custody.
- The accused face charges of kidnapping, torturing, and killing Price, as well as attempting to defeat the administration of justice.
- The AGU members claim that they are being "fed to the wolves" and are vulnerable to attacks from gang members while in custody.
- The case has been postponed to December 19 for further arguments.
- The accused have denied all allegations against them and are seeking bail, citing concerns for their safety while in custody.
Introduction to the Case
The case against the eleven members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) accused of murdering an alleged gangster, Wade Price, continued in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court. The courtroom was filled with supporters of both the accused and the deceased, highlighting the high level of interest and tension surrounding the case. The accused, who cannot be named due to a court ruling, face serious charges, including kidnapping, torturing, and killing Price, as well as attempting to defeat the administration of justice.
The Allegations Against the AGU
The State alleges that the AGU members took Price and his friends into a rival gang area, where they were "shown off" as being in the custody of the police. The four were then taken to the Manenberg SAPS, where CCTV footage shows them entering the building with the accused. While three of Price’s friends were later released, Price himself was taken to a property in Vygekraal Road, where he was allegedly killed by the AGU members. The accused have denied all allegations against them, claiming that they are innocent and that the State’s case is flawed.
The Accused’s Version of Events
In their bail applications, the accused claimed that they were shocked to hear that the State was opposing their release on bail, given that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) had recommended that they be released on bail of R1,000. The accused also expressed concerns for their safety while in custody, stating that they had been recognized by gang members in the holding cells, who had threatened them. One of the accused claimed that he had been told, "Jy ons gaan jou nou in jou p*** maak, ons wag vir jou by Pollsmoor," which translates to "We’re going to get you, we’re waiting for you at Pollsmoor."
The Accused’s Claims of Vulnerability
The accused also claimed that they were being "fed to the wolves" by the State, which was putting them in harm’s way by keeping them in custody. They argued that they had worked to rid the streets of crime and had cooperated with the State in the past, but were now being treated like "the most wanted people." One of the accused, who is scheduled to get married on December 21, expressed concern that he would have to spend his wedding day behind bars. The accused also claimed that they would not flee or interfere with witnesses if released on bail, but the State argued that they knew the witnesses, having interviewed them on the day of Price’s death.
The State’s Response
The State has opposed the accused’s release on bail, arguing that they pose a flight risk and may interfere with witnesses. The State also claimed that the accused had attempted to defeat the administration of justice, which is a serious offense. The court has postponed the case to December 19 for further arguments, at which time the accused’s bail applications will be considered. The case has sparked intense interest and debate, with many questioning the role of the AGU and the treatment of the accused while in custody.
The Broader Implications
The case against the AGU members has broader implications for the criminal justice system and the role of law enforcement in South Africa. The accused’s claims of being "fed to the wolves" and vulnerable to attacks from gang members while in custody raise concerns about the safety and well-being of police officers who are working to combat crime. The case also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing the need to combat crime with the need to protect the rights and safety of all individuals, including those who are accused of crimes. As the case continues, it is likely to spark further debate and discussion about the role of the AGU and the criminal justice system in South Africa.
