Security strategist Andy Mashaile urges accountability for former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen over alleged killings by the Cato Manor Violent Crime Unit. The unit faces accusations of murdering members of the KwaMaphumulo Taxi Association between 2008 and 2012. These claims emerged during the Nkabinde Enquiry into prosecutor Andrew Chauke's conduct.
Andy Mashaile, a security strategist and retired Interpol ambassador, has stated that former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Johan Booysen and his colleagues should face allegations related to killings of KwaMaphumulo Taxi Association members. The Cato Manor Violent Crime Unit stands accused of these murders, which took place between 2008 and 2012, often during illegal arrests.
The Nkabinde Enquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde, is examining the fitness for office of suspended South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke. It focuses on Chauke's pursuit of racketeering charges against the Cato Manor Unit, conducted outside his jurisdiction with limited evidence.
Former IPID investigator Inspector Sharmilla Williams testified at the enquiry that Robert McBride, then IPID executive director, discouraged her from advancing racketeering charges or reviewing evidence against the unit.
Mashaile emphasized the possibility of reinstating charges from 2008 or 2009. He noted: “Legally reinstating the 2008 or 2009 charges is still possible in principle if new evidence or procedural irregularities are established. Although the passage of time, evidentiary challenges and witness availability could complicate prosecutions, even so reopening the matter could still serve an important purpose for justice. It may offer to the families of victims and help restore public confidence in the rule of law.”
The enquiry continues to hear testimonies related to these past events, aiming to address concerns over police conduct and prosecutorial decisions.
