Ex-top cops Cele, Booysen reflect on the closure of the Cato Manor Unit

THE closure of the Cato Manor organised crime unit more than a decade ago was a catastrophic mistake for KwaZulu and has crippled its ability to contain violent crimes.

- THAMI MAGUBANE [e-mail]

FORMER police minister Bheki Cele testifies on his second day at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system.

(PHANDO JIKELO Parliament of RSA)

That is the view shared by former police minister General Bheki Cele and those that were at the heart of leading the unit.

Cele and Major General Johan Booysen spoke about the work of the unit as the country buckles under the strain of violent crimes and the allegations that senior police officers are colluding with criminals to subvert the rule of law.

The unit, known as the "Cato Manor Unit", was headed by Major General Booysen. It has been reported that the members of the unit found themselves arrested and in the dock several times over the years, facing serious charges including racketeering.

The unit later came under public attack with false reports alleging it was a "kill squad"; the reports were later retracted after having been found to be untrue.

Following their arrest and the disbandment of their unit, some of the members have taken legal action against the government and filed claims amounting to millions of rand on account of how they were treated by the state.

The unit is credited with dealing decisively with violent crimes, including in the taxi industry.