Suspend McBride, says DA

2007-07-06 13:17

Johannesburg - Ekurhuleni metro police department (EMPD) chief Robert McBride should be suspended if the department is to have any credibility, the Democratic Alliance said on Friday.

"If the Ekurhuleni metro police force is to have any credibility at all then McBride must be suspended pending a full, rapid and transparent investigation," said the party's security spokesperson, John Moodey.

"If he is not suspended then the perception will exist that any investigation of his activities will be tainted as he will be able to use his official position to intimidate witnesses or tamper with evidence against him."

Three suspended former colleagues of McBride plan to seek a restraining order against him after their arrest during an altercation over the legality of tinted windows, with a colleague. McBride went to the scene after a call for backup.

They had been on the scene of an accident last year in which McBride was allegedly drunk, a charge he has denied.

They have subsequently sent a report to the National Prosecuting Authority on the accident. The authority is yet to decide whether to proceed with a charge of reckless driving.

Police officers on the scene of Thursday's confrontation also laid charges of intimidation against the EMPD afterwards.

A spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni metro mayor was not immediately available.

The mayor, Duma Nkosi, has previously said that McBride is innocent until proved guilty "by credible institutions created by our democracy".

- SAPA