Former IPID investigator details alleged abuses by Cato Manor unit at Nkabinde Inquiry

By Simon Nare

Former KwaZulu-Natal Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigator Sharmila Williams has told the Nkabinde Inquiry how the long-disbanded Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit unlawfully and on flimsy grounds allegedly detained taxi operators and assaulted them while in police custody.

Williams told the inquiry, which is probing the fitness of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office, that in some instances the unit members would alter magistrate warrants to effect the unlawful arrests and detentions.

The inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Bess Nkabinde, twice had to briefly adjourn to allow Williams to compose herself after she broke down while relaying the alleged assaults.

Williams testified that the Cato Manor unit’s alleged detention of taxi operators, particularly those from Maphumulo, became increasingly alarming as it became clear the practice would continue, despite repeated calls by lawyers for the unit to be investigated.