The multi-disciplinary task team, deployed in Westbury, as part of stabilisation intervention, arrested two policemen last night on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. They were arrested following the murder of 21 year old Bradley Sauls who was gunned down while walking in the Westbury on 24 July 2018.
The Minister of Police, Minister Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole visited the community following complaints of drug dealing, corruption and crime in general. Following the visit by the Minister and National Commissioner of Police, the area of Westbury has since been saturated with police officers comprising of Crime Intelligence, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Tactical Response Teams, Public Order Police, Visible Policing and an investigative task team as part of a stabilisation intervention.
Among other cases, the multi-disciplinary investigative task team was tasked to investigate the murder of Bradley Sauls. The team have identified a group of suspects through intensive investigations. On Friday, 5 October 2018 four suspects were arrested in connection with Saul’s murder. The four suspects, Taiton Palmer (73), Dennis Oliphant (25), Desmond Oliphant (37) and Keenan Ebrahim (34) appeared in Court on Monday, 8 October 2018 and they have all been remanded in custody until 18 October 2018.
In the meantime, investigations continued and the team arrested a fifth suspect yesterday morning. Thereafter, two policemen, Warrant Officer Wynand Steyn (45) and Sergeant Tom Keet (42) were arrested on Warrants of Arrest. The police officers are alleged to have concealed crucial evidence after having arrived first on the scene. The fifth suspect as well as the two police officers are expected to appear in court this morning on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. The State will oppose any efforts by the accused to apply for bail.
The arrest of these two police officers brings the total to seven the number of suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Saul.
There is also a departmental investigation running concurrently against the two policemen.
While more arrests are imminent, the National Commissioner has welcomed the arrest of the seven suspects calling for the community to remain calm and allow for the investigation to take its course.
The National Commissioner indicated that he is satisfied with the work of the multi-disciplinary task team after being deployed to the area for just over a week.
“I am confident that this team will continue to work around the clock to bring to book all those responsible for crime in the area of Westbury”, said General Sitole.
“The arrest of the two policemen is a clear indication that nobody is above the law and that corruption will not be tolerated” General Sitole added.
