Jogger must lodge complaint: ICD
2010-02-19 21:54
Johannesburg – The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) is waiting for the student arrested for allegedly swearing at President Jacob Zuma to register a complaint, a spokesperson said on Friday.
Moses Dlamini said Chumani Maxwele had not come forward to make a statement yet.
"Without a statement it is out of our hands. We cannot investigate without a formal complaint," he said.
Maxwele, a 25-year-old student, was arrested last Wednesday when he allegedly "swore" at Zuma's convoy while he was jogging in Cape Town.
He told the Sowetan newspaper he "waved" the convoy on as if to say "hamba" (go away). A black BMW pulled up and he was arrested at gunpoint for "insulting the president".
He said he was dragged into a car and a bag was put over his head. The police drove him to Zuma's residence, before taking him to the Rondebosch and then Mowbray police stations where he was interrogated.
Political affiliation
Maxwele, an ANC Youth League member, said he was asked questions about his political affiliation, among other things. He was released before he could appear in court on charges of crimen injuria and resisting arrest.
Dlamini said on Thursday the Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa had contacted the ICD and requested an investigation into the VIP protection unit's conduct.
Dlamini said the ICD attempted to contact Maxwele to ask him to make a statement, but was unsuccessful.
Zweli Mnisi, the spokesperson for the police ministry, released a statement on Thursday saying Maxwele had apologised for his conduct in a statement he made on the day of his arrest.
He also said Maxwele had previous criminal records for common assault and "riotous behaviour".
The Argus reported on Friday Maxwele denied apologising.
The "apology" the ministry had released, he said, was his statement made during his arrest.
- SAPA