27-01-2014, 12:47 PM
North West Premier Thandi Modise has called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to investigate alleged death threats made against a journalist, who took pictures of police taking a bribe in Rustenburg recently.
Journalist Ricky Dire had allegedly taken pictures of police receiving bribes.
He was spotted by the police, who bundled him into their police van, confiscated his cell phone and deleted the pictures. This, however, happened after he had sent one picture to his friend.
Dire allegedly received two SMSs threatening to kill his family, unless he withdrew his disclosure.
Modise said these allegations were serious enough to warrant an investigation.
“If indeed they are found to be true, then those involved should be immediately suspended and stripped of their uniform. We cannot afford to have police threatening citizens behind the dignified blue uniform,†said Modise.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Kealeboga Molale had earlier confirmed that charges of intimidation, crimen injuria and resisting arrest were laid by the arresting police against Dire, who has since been released from police custody.†– SAnews.gov.za
Journalist Ricky Dire had allegedly taken pictures of police receiving bribes.
He was spotted by the police, who bundled him into their police van, confiscated his cell phone and deleted the pictures. This, however, happened after he had sent one picture to his friend.
Dire allegedly received two SMSs threatening to kill his family, unless he withdrew his disclosure.
Modise said these allegations were serious enough to warrant an investigation.
“If indeed they are found to be true, then those involved should be immediately suspended and stripped of their uniform. We cannot afford to have police threatening citizens behind the dignified blue uniform,†said Modise.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Kealeboga Molale had earlier confirmed that charges of intimidation, crimen injuria and resisting arrest were laid by the arresting police against Dire, who has since been released from police custody.†– SAnews.gov.za