Accused policeman decries slow pace of investigations

Yesterday, Sub-Inspector, Thembela Mapini lamented that investigations into the charges he is accused of committing in April this year are taking too long. It is alleged that he stole 70 litres of petrol and days later, without lawful cause, he went to Gerald Police Station armed with a loaded firearm and behaved in a manner that had the potential of causing terror to other police officers at the Community Service Centre (CSC).

He told a magistrate, Onneile Ntwayapelo that he was appearing for the fifth time for mention since charges were laid against him but the prosecution has not made any progress in the matter. He said the turnaround time for the prosecution to have completed investigations is four weeks but for three months, he has been told investigations are incomplete.