Another top Jozi cop linked
to sleaze king
By KatlegoMoeng | Jul 29, 2010 |
MORE revelations of police
shady dealings with Hillbrow's underworld have surfaced.
In the latest, it has come to light that Hillbrow's acting station
commissioner Koos van Rhyn has a cosy relationship with alleged Mafia boss Alan
Kukard.
Deputy Minister of Police FikileMbalula has ordered authorities in
Gauteng to investigate the claims. His spokesperson PaenaGalane confirmed that
numerous allegations have been brought to the ministry's attention relating to
Van Rhyn and Kukard.
Sowetan has correspondence between Mbalula's chief of staff Tsholofelo
Lejaka and retiring provincial commissioner Perumal Naidoo's on the
investigation.
The papers say Gauteng deputy commissioner, Major General Simon Mpembe,
and provincial head of detectives, Major General Norman Taioe, were mandated
"to personally attend to the complaint(s)".
Galane confirmed the correspondence but refused to comment on a possible
conflict of interest in light of Naidoo's link to Kukard.
On Tuesday, Sowetan published an article and pictures of Naidoo being
rewarded by the so-called Hillbrow community, headed by Kukard.
Mbalula said that he was "disturbed" by the report.
The matter had also been referred to national police commissioner
General BhekiCele's office.
Tebogo Merafhe, president of the National Rental Association of South
Africa, claims the Hillbrow Mafia's members include Van Rhyn.
Senior officers at Hillbrow and sources close to both men claim Van Rhyn
frequents Maxime brothel, owned by Kukard, where he spends at least two hours
when he's on duty.
"Van Rhyn is looking after the area's business community. Kukard is
one of his main men," said an officer.
Merafhe alleges: "Kukard uses his influence on police to bulldoze
his competitors in the city. The Hillbrow police are reluctant to investigate
at least four deaths in the last two years at Maxime brothel."
Maxime is notorious for child prostitution and drugs. Kukard also owns
two other brothels.
The deaths are allegedly linked to NDA security, owned by Kukard. NDA is
the mother body of Corporate Assets Management Security, which provides its
services to numerous buildings in Hillbrow and Berea.
Merafhe alleges Kukard's right-hand man Marvin Resant threatened him for
interfering with matters related to Kukard's properties.
"He pointed at me with a gun and said he can close the case at
Hillbrow police easily," Merafhe said.
Naidoo says the Hillbrow Business Forum threw him a farewell party
hosted by Kukard at his house. Hillbrow Community Policing Forum chairperson
Moses kaMoyo said the business body is not recognised.
Kukard has not replied to calls norSMSes. Hillbrow police help desk said
Van Rhyn was not available.
Provincial spokesperson Brigadier GovindsamyMariemutoo said: "The
matter is under investigation."
