Two ANC leaders in the OR Tambo region plan to sue the state for millions claiming ill-treatment at the hands of the police.
Former ANC regional chairman Thandekile Sabisa and former deputy secretary Lawrence Mambila, who were arrested for alleged involvement in an attempted hit on OR Tambo regional secretary Xolile Nkompela, have claimed they were tortured in police custody.
The two are in hospital and are yet to appear in court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
Nkompela’s bodyguard Zukile Nyontso was shot dead in December, allegedly in a hit on Nkompela.
Mambila claims he was suffocated and pressed down while handcuffed in Butterworth on Monday. Sabisa also alleged he was assaulted. The two were arrested at the OR Tambo district municipality offices earlier that day.
Sabisa has written to the Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and the director of public prosecutions (DPP) complaining about ill-treatment from the police.
Sabisa’s lawyer, advocate Lwandile Singqumba, further demands the DPP release Sabisa based on the wrongful arrest claim. Sabisa plans to claim R5.5-million in compensation. Mambila is still consulting with his attorney.
In his letter to Nhleko, Singqumba alleges Sabisa was arrested without a warrant by police.
He claims Sabisa was detained at Mthatha Central Police Station without justifiable cause.
Meanwhile, Mhlontlo councillor Xolisa Mswelanto, who was charged with murder and attempted murder in the same case last week, yesterday told the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court he would represent himself.
Mswelanto has written to Nhleko alleging assault and torture, and is claiming R6-million from Nhleko.
It was not clear at the time of writing whether Mswelanto would withdraw the letter to Nhleko.
Police denied the torture claims.
ANC leaders to sue state on torture claims
Former ANC regional chairman Thandekile Sabisa and former deputy secretary Lawrence Mambila, who were arrested for alleged involvement in an attempted hit on OR Tambo regional secretary Xolile Nkompela, have claimed they were tortured in police custody.
The two are in hospital and are yet to appear in court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
Nkompela’s bodyguard Zukile Nyontso was shot dead in December, allegedly in a hit on Nkompela.
Mambila claims he was suffocated and pressed down while handcuffed in Butterworth on Monday. Sabisa also alleged he was assaulted. The two were arrested at the OR Tambo district municipality offices earlier that day.
Sabisa has written to the Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and the director of public prosecutions (DPP) complaining about ill-treatment from the police.
Sabisa’s lawyer, advocate Lwandile Singqumba, further demands the DPP release Sabisa based on the wrongful arrest claim. Sabisa plans to claim R5.5-million in compensation. Mambila is still consulting with his attorney.
In his letter to Nhleko, Singqumba alleges Sabisa was arrested without a warrant by police.
He claims Sabisa was detained at Mthatha Central Police Station without justifiable cause.
Meanwhile, Mhlontlo councillor Xolisa Mswelanto, who was charged with murder and attempted murder in the same case last week, yesterday told the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court he would represent himself.
Mswelanto has written to Nhleko alleging assault and torture, and is claiming R6-million from Nhleko.
It was not clear at the time of writing whether Mswelanto would withdraw the letter to Nhleko.
Police denied the torture claims.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos