DA: ICD must probe Nel's arrest
2008-01-14 15:42
Pretoria - The Democratic Alliance asked the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) on Monday to investigate the arrest of Gauteng Scorpions boss Gerrie Nel.
This comes after charges of corruption and defeating the administration of justice against Nel were withdrawn in the Pretoria Regional Court.
In a letter sent by the DA's spokesperson for Safety and Security Dianne Kohler Barnard to the acting executive director of the ICD, Patrick Mongwe, she said it was of "national significance" that the incident be thoroughly investigated.
In a media statement, Kohler Barnard said it appeared as if the police wanted to show the Scorpions who was in control.
"Sending in 20 armed SAPS members could serve no other purpose, as Nel's appearance in court could have been secured through a simple phone call, thus treating him with the respect he was due," she said, referring to the manner in which Nel was arrested.
The DA said the ICD should establish who ordered the warrant to be served and why.
It also wanted the allegation that Nel's cellphone was taken away and switched off to prevent him from making contact with his lawyer, to be investigated.
- SAPA