MEC Shongwe concerned about the release of “Spykos”

By BRIAN KAJENGO

The release of Spykos had cause pandemonium and acrimony in the SAPS and Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.

Mpumalang MEC Vusi Shongwe has expressed his qualms about the release of Godfrey Sambo (22) known as Spykos on a free bail.

Sambo released by the Kabokweni Magistrate Court last week Friday the 7^th of February 2014.

It’s reported that the Magistrate agreed with the defence lawyer to release the accused on free bail. The magistrate allegedly needed more information with regards to the cases brought against the suspect.

Sambo arrested on Friday, 07 June 2013, after police in Mpumalanga received a tip off and immediately headed to where he was hiding in Pretoria. 

                                                           

He is currently facing five (5) charges that include murder, business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. He firstly appeared before the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday 10^th of June 2013.

The Provincial Commissioner Thulani Ntobela disapproved the out come immediately and alert the media.

Shongwe says Sambo’s release has the potential of undermining the community’s faith in the criminal justice processes and the move also has the potential of undermining the work of police officers who worked hard to bring crime suspects to book.

“Whilst we acknowledge everyone remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, we believe that the nature of charges against Sambo should have necessitated a different approach to his bail application. We believe the suspect’s release under the prevailing circumstances could discourage our hard working police officers,” the MEC said. 

Shongwe also said that the well being of the victims of Sambo’s alleged actions should have been considered saying this would further subject them to secondary victimization.

The MEC has subsequently called on SAPS Provincial Commissioner, General Thulani Ntobela and the head of prosecutions in the province to urgently review the suspect’s release.