The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for the immediate release of 11 jailed Anti-Gang Unit officers, accusing the state of abandoning them and exposing them to danger in prison.
The officers, held at Pollsmoor Prison on charges including murder and torture, have reportedly received death threats from inmates they previously arrested. The EFF argues that by opposing bail, the state is “feeding them to the wolves” by placing law enforcement officials in the same cells as alleged gang members.
In a statement, the party highlighted that IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) had reportedly recommended R1,000 bail for each officer, a recommendation overridden by the state prosecutor. The EFF described this as “highly irregular.”
The party acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but argued that the officers—products of an under-resourced unit—are not flight risks and that justice is not served by their “punitive detention.” Among those detained is an officer whose planned wedding is now in jeopardy.
The EFF warned that failing to support the officers sends a damaging message about the state’s commitment to those who secure communities.