Top cop takes over Leigh probe
2004-09-12 22:12
Johannesburg - Police have appointed Piet Byleveld, top investigator
from Johannesburg and expert in the field of serial murders, to try and
catch the killer(s) of 21-year-old Leigh Matthews.
Matthews' body was found on July 21 in long grass in the Walkerville Manor
area, south of Johannesburg, after she was abducted in Sandton on July 9.
Police spokesperson Chris Wilken confirmed on Sunday that Byleveld had taken over from investigating officer Gabriel Hall.
"We thought it would be wise to put someone with lots of experience on the
case. Hall will work with Byleveld.
"I can think of none better to work with
than Piet Byleveld," Wilken said.
Hall's involvement 'limited'
Beeld, however, learnt from a reliable source
that Hall will have little involvement with the case from now on.
When asked
about it, Hall said he is still "involved with the investigation
of certain information in the case".
Hall declined to be drawn on why he is no longer the investigating officer.
From the beginning, Hall led the task force investigating Matthews's
abduction.
At a media conference a day after she disappearted, Hall said:
"If one hair disappears from her head I will hunt these guys down for the
pigs that they are."
'Serious pressure
It was reported earlier that police headquarters put serious pressure on the
investigating team to apprehend Matthews' murderer(s).
A police
commissioner is apparently personally monitoring the investigation.
Matthews' father, Rob, did not want to comment on Sunday about the fact
that Byleveld will now be heading his daughter's case.
"We're not involved.
They have to do what they must," was the only thing he said.
Byleveld is seen as an expert by police services worldwide.
