The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the brief court appearance yesterday, 2 February, of two men described as “VIP protectors” attached to the Mayor of Madibeng Municipality, who face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice following the fatal shooting of South African Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton.
Both accused have now been charged with murder, and rightly so. The DA further calls for additional charges of impersonating a police or law-enforcement officer, given the use of blue lights, an unmarked vehicle and conduct indistinguishable from an undercover police operation. In addition, the circumstances point to serious contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, including the unlawful possession, carrying and use of a prohibited or restricted firearm, the possible use of an unlicensed firearm, and the negligent or unlawful discharge of a firearm resulting in death. These charges must be fully investigated and added where supported by the evidence.
The facts already before the court point to an abuse of power of the gravest kind: armed men travelling in an unmarked BMW fitted with blue lights, conducting an unlawful roadside stop, interrogating civilians about a traffic matter, and ultimately killing a man who asked for their appointment certificates and proof of lawful authority. This was not a policing operation, not a legitimate protection function, and not an act of self-defence. It was a thuggish assertion of authority by men who appear to have believed themselves above the law.
The DA further states that if the executive mayor was present at the time of the incident, as has been alleged, his role must be fully investigated and he should be considered for charges as an accessory to murder. No principal may hide behind “protection” while armed subordinates unlawfully stop civilians, impersonate police officers and use lethal force. VIP protection does not include traffic enforcement, roadside interrogations or the use of military-grade firearms against civilians. If these men were municipal employees, Madibeng Municipality must account for who authorised them, who armed them and under what legal framework. If they were private protectors, the presence of a state-issued R5 assault rifle raises even more alarming questions about the illegal circulation of state firearms.
The DA will closely monitor the bail application scheduled for 4 February and will continue to pursue full accountability for every individual involved, without fear or favour.
Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbite by Lisa Schickerling MP.