Police official allegedly assaults boss
By Denver Donian, Crime Reporter
KING WILLIAM'S TOWN - A charge of assault has been laid here following an incident between two high- ranking officials at the provincial police headquarters on Wednesday
The incident took place between Superintendent First Manyaku and his superior, Senior Superintendent Dot van der Vyver, during a work-related confrontation
Van der Vyver sustained injuries to her arm and head after she was allegedly assaulted by Manyaku after asking him to assist her with her workload.
Van der Vyver was seconded from the Queenstown area commissioner's office in January as acting section head of personnel services until the end of March. Her term was extended until the end of May due to the workload and staff shortages.
Manyaku, from Port Elizabeth, who was appointed sub-section head of transfers in January, was placed temporarily at equity and career management.
According to a reliable source, Manyaku was instructed by letter to take up his position as sub-section head of transfers, which is directly under Van der Vyver's control, on Tuesday, to assist her and learn the ropes of the job before her departure.
When he did not report for duty Van der Vyver attempted to make contact with him on his cellphone.
"It was off," the source said.
According to the source, Manyaku "did his own thing and was hardly ever in his office".
On Wednesday Van der Vyver managed to make contact with Manyaku, but when he heard it was she he allegedly switched his cellphone off.
While on her way to fax a brief to the national police headquarters regarding Manyaku's failure to follow legitimate instructions, Van der Vyver stopped by his office and found him on the phone.
According to the source, Manyaku jumped up from his desk and approached Van der Vyver menacingly after she asked that he come to her office and assist with the workload.
Manyaku is alleged to have grabbed Van der Vyver by the arm and then started hitting her about the head with an open hand and a fist. After six or seven blows Van der Vyver fell against a wall in Manyaku's office.
According to the source, Manyaku alleged that Van der Vyver attempted to strangle him, causing her to fall to the floor.
"No complaint has yet been laid by Manyaku."
South African Police Union legal adviser Andre de Witt confirmed yesterday that the incident had been reported to him by Van der Vyver.
"I have instructed her to lay criminal and civil charges."
Provincial commissioner Sipho Mpongoma said yesterday he was deeply concerned about the incident and condemned "such behaviour".
"Criminal and departmental proceedings will take their course and the incident will be thoroughly investigated."
