In a dramatic turn of events, Sylvester Ezuko Uchekpu, the undocumented foreign national accused of intimidating Chisom Khoza, Patricia Khoza’s son, was finally arrested this morning in Primrose, Germiston. ActionSA welcomes this long-awaited arrest, but troublingly, concerns loom as Chisom is now expected to face charges following a complaint lodged by Uchekpu.
As a party deeply committed to upholding the rule of law, ActionSA is relieved that the warrant for Uchekpu’s arrest, issued by the Senior Prosecutor, was eventually acted upon, albeit after inexplicable delays. Uchekpu faces a charge of common assault, yet we suspect a deliberate omission of other charges like theft, robbery, and intimidation by Primrose Police, seemingly engineered to secure Uchekpu’s swift release from custody.
The distressing incident unfolds against a backdrop where Patricia Khoza previously aided in the arrest of an undocumented foreign national for building hijacking in Primrose. We believe Chisom became a victim of Uchekpu’s assault due to his mother’s involvement in this prior incident.
Expressing shock at the unfolding events, particularly the reluctance of Primrose Police to heed the Senior Prosecutor’s orders for Uchekpu’s arrest, I, as an admitted attorney, find it appalling. The eagerness of the police to open charges against Chisom while minimizing clarity on those charges is a clear violation of legislation and constitutional obligations, especially regarding minors.
ActionSA remains steadfast in safeguarding the rights of the Khoza family. Our Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, along with ActionSA activists, will attend Uchekpu’s court appearance at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court tomorrow to ensure justice prevails.
Concerns also persist regarding potential intimidation tactics against Chisom by the police. We are deeply troubled by the conduct of law enforcement and have urgently contacted the Gauteng Police Commissioner to intervene and prevent any further delays or protection of wrongdoers instead of safeguarding crime victims.
Furthermore, we are pushing for an investigation by the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) and the Public Protector into this miscarriage of justice.
ActionSA vehemently upholds the sanctity of the rule of law and will not tolerate its abuse. We stand resolute in holding criminals accountable. South Africa’s foundation rests on the rule of law, and we are unwavering in our stance against any violations of our hard-earned rights as South Africans.
