Journo: Probe into 'cop delay'
2006-06-15 18:58
Johannesburg - Police undertook on Thursday to probe claims of a delayed police response at the murder scene of Cape Town journalist Megan Herselman.
"We take note of the allegations surrounding the police's response time after the... murder of Megan Herselman... and regard it in serious light," said spokesperson Sefako Xaba.
Herselman, 49, was killed on Tuesday night at the Rivonia offramp on the N1 north.
She had arrived from Cape Town that evening and lost her way between Johannesburg International Airport and Midrand.
Police believe she was a victim of a botched hijacking after she stopped on the side of the road to phone for directions.
She was reportedly murdered about 300m from the spot where three people attacked motorist Clifford Ranaka, an hour earlier.
Ranaka said he phoned the police a number of times, but they did not arrive.
Team will investigate allegations
Xaba said the police's response time would be investigated.
"We received several media enquiries regarding the allegation of police delay in responding to that crime scene.
Area commissioner Oswald Reddy immediately assigned a team to launch an urgent investigation into all these allegations and furnish him with a comprehensive report.
"If it is found that there was any valid ground for these allegations, steps will be taken..."
Xaba appealed to anyone with information about Herselman's murder to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or captain Adam McCarthy on 082 959 6038.
- SAPA