By Akani Nkuna
Former police reservist Aris Danikas told the Nkabinde Commission of Inquiry on Monday that former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen was revered within the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit, describing him as a “godfather” who allegedly oversaw illegal activities carried out by members of the unit.
During his testimony, Danikas claimed Booysen was the central figure in the unit and sanctioned many of its alleged unlawful actions, including the planting of firearms at crime scenes.
“[Booysen] was the godfather of the unit, if I may use that word. Nothing happened without him,” Danikas told the commissioners.
“He even told us many times: ‘Guys, if you do something wrong, let me know in advance. It is okay, just tell me beforehand so I can fix the problem. Do not get caught. I need to know so I can make the problem go away.’”
Danikas said a turning point
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