Security guards want answers from minister

Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula, has until tomorrow, to give reasons why a group of Coin Security guards should not sue him. They are accusing the Ministry of wrongful arrest, resulting in injury, after a multi-million-rand robbery at the Coin Depot in 2006.

The guards were allegedly assaulted into confessing that they participated in the crime. One of the guards, Marope Matlala, says his life will never be the same again. He says the repeated electrocution of his genitals has affected his kidneys and he fears they may never see justice. "We've been waiting for a long time and one of the senior's at the police station told us that he is not going to let his police be prosecuted ... he is scared of them."

Many of the guards have lost their jobs
The group has pointed out the police who allegedly tortured them, but says nothing has been done. "The police are untouchable they are the law themselves, they just feel that they must take us and torture us for nothing. When they are called they can't even pitch up because they know they are guilty,” says former guard George Maduna.

Since the incident most of the guards have lost their jobs. A source close to the investigation told the SABC that the police officers implicated in these atrocities have refused to co-operate and give statements. They have also snubbed all five identity parades and remain in active duty.

The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) investigated the claims. But some believe its recommendation's may never see the light of day.

"We will have to revisit the South Africa legislation as far as this is concerned. We cannot have a situation where misconduct gets reported to the ICD, fully investigated and then there's no certainty that there'll be any action against the police officers implicated," says Dr Johan Burger of the Institute for Security Studies.

The policemen involved are expected to testify soon.