Bheki Jacobs Demands Full Inquiry into his Arrest [ECAAR, 2004-01-16]

Publication: ECAAR Issued: Date: 2004-01-16 Reporter: Terry CrawfordBrowne, Bheki Jacobs

Bheki Jacobs Demands Full Inquiry into his Arrest

Press Statement by :

Economist Allied for Arms Reduction - South Africa

16 January 2004

ECAAR-SA
3B Alpine Mews
High Cape
Cape Town 8001

The unconstitutional detention of Bheki Jacobs on 22 November 2003 on allegations that he was conspiring to murder President Thabo Mbeki is reminiscent of the jack-boot behaviour of the security forces during the apartheid era. The plot allegations have already been discredited and ridiculed. After heavily-armed police "trashed" both his parents' and his home, Jacobs was driven to Ysterplaat airforce base and flown to Pretoria in a Beechjet which is owned by South African Police Services and held at the disposal of Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.

Coincidental with Jacobs's first court appearance on 24 November, Mr Mo Shaik announced at the Hefer Commission hearings that one person had already been arrested, and that other persons associated with the Scorpions would be arrested with 24 hours. About 30 people were apparently scheduled for arrest, including not only members of the Scorpions but also Patricia de Lille, Richard Young and Terry Crawford-Browne and several journalists. The intended purpose, apparently, was to block further investigation into the arms deal scandal.

The manner of Jacobs's detention and the bizarre allegations of conspiracy to murder the President confirm gross abuse of power by the police and those persons who seemingly have influence within police circles. The charges were dropped during the second court appearance on 28 November by which time the allegations had already been discredited.

The Hefer Commission report has this week been handed over to the Minister of Justice and, through him, to President Mbeki. Accordingly we now, jointly, demand a full inquiry into and public exposure of who initiated Jacobs's arrest. A complaint and demand for thorough investigation has today been lodged with the Minister of Safety and Security. A copy of that letter is attached.

Bheki Jacobs
Terry Crawford-Browne

With acknowledgements to Bheki Jacobs, Terry Crawford-Browne and ECAAR-SA.