KwaZulu-Natal’s alleged drug kingpin had entrenched the culture of corruption within the Verulam police station. Such that police officers spied on each other to protect his narcotics enterprise.
The explosive revelations are contained in a docket by SAPS investigator Detective Warrant Officer Sivan Naidoo.
Explosive docket by the Hawks
Naidoo is attached to the specialised crime-fighting unit, the Hawks. He and his team were assigned to keep a close eye on the activities of Anthony Gounden, who allegedly wields fear among the community of Verulam, north of Durban. The area falls under the eThekwini metro.
“My team was tasked with investigating drug and gang-related cases. We were also responsible for probing various attacks on police. There was a general feeling that he (Gounden) was working with the police at Verulam station. They were afraid or reluctant to investigate cases involving him,” reads the docket in part.
The docket forms part of key state evidence against Gounden, who was arrested last month.
The alleged drug lord, who goes by the street name “Tatu”, is charged with fraud, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of firearms.
He is believed to have terrorised the Verulam community and its surroundings. His alleged reign of terror came to an abrupt end when he was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a metro cop.
Community members lost trust in the police
Community activist Rohan Soobramoney spoke to Sunday World on Thursday about the matter. He explained that crime activists and residents who dared to speak out had to constantly look over their shoulders. This because they fear the wrath of drug lords.
“It’s not him alone. There are others who are in hiding following his arrest. The police are not assisting. They aid and abet the activities of these drug lords by spying on community members about their activities,” he said.
A Verulam police officer, Sherwynn Chetty, was recently arrested after using a police van to transport drugs.
