Hit squad after top cop
2003-10-15 19:12
Johannesburg - Police remained tight-lipped on Wednesday concerning allegations that a six-man hit squad was in the country to do away with a high ranking drugs investigator.
A report in the Johannesburg The Star newspaper said the men had entered South Africa on forged passports and were set to target police Divisional Commissioner Raymond Lalla.
The report quoting a high-ranking, unnamed, intelligence officer, said Lalla was known for his "aggressive pursuit in destroying drug syndicates especially cocaine cartels" while police said the hit was supposed to take place in the next two weeks.
The report said the hit had been ordered by world's largest cartel based in Colombia and Venezuela. It followed the smashing of a number of cocaine syndicates in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. It also claimed Lalla had been involved in a successful drug operation in Brazil.
On Wednesday national police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Martin Aylward said they were not in a position to discuss the matter further but vowed the police would not be cowed by anyone.
"It must be mentioned we will not be intimidated by anyone. Nor will we go into hiding as it is our duty as law enforcers to protect all people," said Aylward.
- SAPA