‘TORTURED TO DEATH’ - Petition backs 11 AGU officers accused of the brutal murder of alleged gangster

THE release of bail against 11 murder-accused Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) cops intends on being opposed by the State, however a petition which has received more than 1 000 signatures from the public shows growing support for the embattled officers.

The cops, who may not be identified as per court ruling, returned to the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday for their bail applications.

Their appearance comes after they allegedly murdered an alleged gangster by the name of Wade Price from Manenberg on 4 December following an interrogation of a shooting incident that occurred outside the same court a week ago.

The accused face Schedule 6 offences including charges of murder, four counts of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, four counts of kidnapping and one count of torture.

The court previously heard that Price and three complainants were taken to Manenberg SAPS.

According to court documents, the accused allegedly kidnapped Price and the trio from Helen Court to the police station, refusing them the right to exit.

The documents read: “At or near Manenberg police station the accused unlawfully and intentionally assaulted Wade Price with the intent to cause him grievous bodily harm by kicking him in the face, hitting him multiple times with their hands.”

The accused are also charged with hitting the others multiple times in their faces.

The court heard that the trio were eventually released from the station, however Price was taken to an address in Vygekraal Road where they unlawfully and intentionally killed him by hitting him multiple times with unknown objects on his head and body, restraining him and then smothered/choked him to death and torturing the deceased.

According to reports, Price entered the property alive with the members, but moments later emergency services and other police officials arrived and that was when his body was removed from the property.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said that the State intends on opposing bail for all 11 accused.

However, a petition which has received more than 1 000 signatures is calling for their release and defending the officers stating they have been “unjustly accused.”

The petition states: “The AGU officers have always been at the forefront, putting their lives at risk to protect our communities from violent criminals. Their routine duties include engaging those who seek to disrupt the peace and ensuring that citizens can feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods. 

“Unfortunately, in the course of executing their responsibilities, they have been blamed and are now being kept in a cell alongside criminals, far removed from their noble roles.

“This situation is not just an attack on these officers but on every honest law enforcement officer who diligently operates within the framework of justice. We must consider the implications of such a decision. 

“These officers need to be released and returned to their duties, where their skills and dedication are crucial in the fight against crime.”

Crime fighter Vanessa Arendse started the petition and told the Daily Voice that as a former law enforcement officer she is disgusted that her colleagues are being treated like criminals.

Arendse said: “Gangsters and gang leaders get caught with a firearm but are out that very same day or the next.

“IPID is making all of SAPS members despondent because they are so eager to take cases from gangsters who hurt and kill but they jump to crucify saps members who do their jobs.”

She added that she intends on handing the petition over to the State on Thursday.

The case was postponed to 18 and 19 December for a formal bail application.