The family of murdered Hillary Gardee has urged the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to summon former Police Commissioner Bheki Cele and other senior officers to testify. This follows allegations of interference in the investigation into her 2022 killing. The request highlights concerns over police conduct in the case.
The Gardee family, through their lawyers, sent a letter to the Madlanga Commission requesting the urgent summoning of senior police officials, including Bheki Cele. The commission is investigating dysfunctions in South Africa's criminal justice system.
The call comes after suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela alleged interference during a press briefing on Sunday. Manamela's claims prompted the family's action regarding the April 2022 murder of Hillary Gardee.
Lawyers for the family specifically accused Cele of demanding direct updates from investigators on multiple occasions. They also alleged that Ehlanzeni District Commissioner Major General Dorah Xaba assisted a suspect in evading arrest.
The family stated that these officials' actions fall within the commission's mandate to probe issues in the justice system.
