GEORGE NEWS - A case of crimen injuria against a senior police officer from Pretoria, which has been dragging on for years, continued in the George Regional Court on Wednesday and Thursday, 27 and 28 November.
Major-General Sandra Malebe-Thema (59) faces seven charges of crimen injuria because she allegedly humiliated and ridiculed white police officers at the Oudtshoorn police training college.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
It is alleged that on 7 November 2016, she called seven training officers to the stage during a visit to the Oudtshoorn Police Academy and commented about their appearance in front of around 450 recruits.
She reportedly made insulting comments about their clothing, weight and skin colour, which were allegedly cheered by the other recruits.
According to Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, the case was postponed to 30 May after one of the complainants was unable to testify last week.
Malebe-Thema resigned from the police in 2013, apparently to avoid misconduct charges, but was re-appointed as a Major General in March 2016.
According to Barry Bateman, AfriForum's private prosecuting unit's communications manager, the state has called five witnesses, including the complainant, Riana Stander, and the other police officers who were allegedly humiliated by the accused.
"All the witnesses testified well, although it was difficult and emotional for them at times. We remain confident that the state has a good case, but we are disappointed with the slow pace of the justice system," he said.
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