ACTING NATIONAL COMMISSIONER COMMENDS INVESTIGATING TEAMS FOLLOWING DENIAL OF BAIL IN TWO HIGH-PROFILE CASES

By Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
SAPS Spokesperson

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended members of the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and the Commission Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) following the denial of bail in two separate high-profile cases.

The first matter relates to the murder of Witness D, in which accused Matipandile Sotheni appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate’s court and was denied bail.

The second matter involves Janitha van Reneen, an Emfuleni Local Municipality employee who is facing fraud charges linked to transactions involving the Municipality, she too was also denied bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.

Lieutenant General Dimpane said the denial of bail in both matters reflects the quality of investigative work undertaken by the respective teams and demonstrates the strength of the cases presented before court.

“The decision by the courts to deny bail is an indication that compelling evidence was placed before the court.

It demonstrates the diligence, professionalism and commitment of our investigators and NPA prosecutors in ensuring that those accused of serious crimes are held accountable through the criminal justice process,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

The Acting National Commissioner cautioned that all accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, she welcomed the courts’ decisions, saying they reinforce public confidence in the criminal justice system and send a strong message that serious crimes, including murder, corruption and fraud, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.