Popcru: Charl Kinnear's death ‘should serve as a lesson’

Kinnear, who was an Anti-Gang Unit section commander, was gunned down in his car at his home in Bishop Lavis in Cape Town on Friday.

The 52-year old has investigated several high-profile cases in the Western Cape, including the extortion case of alleged Cape Town underworld figure Nafiz Modack.

Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo says the attack on Kinnear was clearly premeditated.

"We think the killing is clearly premeditated and it should be considered high treason. It was clearly aimed at ensuring that there is fear among those who are investigating high profile cases in the future."

Mamabolo also believes Kinnear should have received protection from the state after death threats were made against him.

"It was clear that there has been previous threats to colonel in the past year and even after that, he was denied protection.

“They should look into why his request for protection was not approved, how it was initially withdrawn and who came to the analysis that his security should not be continued. We need to understand why his safety was compromised.”

LISTEN TO RICHARD MAMABOLO HERE:

He says they need more action from Minister Bheki Cele has vowed swift investigation into Kinnear’s death and has also said “heads would roll” over the decision to withdraw protection.

"The first thing we would want to see is looking into interior challenges that have been going in the Western Cape since last year. We have been complaining about infights in that province.

“We think by way of ensuring that the investigation team look into what has been happening we will come to a point where those who have been involved are questioned."

Mamabolo says Kinnear's death should serve as a lesson to the police.

"It is a lesson to everyone else that protection should be given to people who are investigating high-profile cases. It is worrying that it had to come to this point."

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