Former Hawks head to sue the State for R7 million
While the cost of State Capture is tallied daily at the Zondo Commission – it will soon also be counted in the courts. It emerged this week that former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen is suing the state for R7 million. Booysen and his subordinates were arrested in 2016 on trumped up charges of racketeering and murder.
In 2019, all the charges were withdrawn. Arrested and paraded in front of the media. Hauled off to court – accused of racketeering and murder. Johan Booysen became the face of what was dubbed the Cato Manor death squad. It was a fabrication by the Sunday Times, aimed at discrediting him.
The then major general was leading an investigation into politically connected businessmen. But the decision to charge the policemen was reviewed and set aside three years later.
Former prosecutions boss Nomcgobo Jiba faces charges of fraud and perjury for giving the case the green light. Now Booysen wants the state to pay him damages for embarrassment, emotional pain and suffering. Deprivation of his freedom, impairing his dignity and loss of earnings.
Attorney Ulrich Roux believes Booysen has a good case.
Booysen’s former subordinates are also filing damages claims against the state. Which could mean up to 26 cases – and tens of millions of rand in damages paid out.
“There have been numerous judgments handed down where the courts have found that there was an unlawful arrest that took place and an unlawful, malicious prosecution,” says Roux
“Not only should the Minister fo Police be held liable, and the minister of justice, but also the individuals involved in their personal capacity. So in other words, the policeman who arrested the person, the prosecutor who drove the prosecution they must face the consequences in their personal capacity. Booysen says the state attorney’s office has responded to say they intend opposing the matter.
In other news – Lunga Shabalala Joins the cast of Legacy on M-Net
Model, TV presenter and actor, Lunga Shabalala who played the role of Lindani Dhlomo on the multi-award-winning telenovela, The River is joining the cast of Legacy on M-Net. It is reported that Shabalala will play the role of Msizi Zulu’s model-c son in the novella. Learn more
Source: eNCA
