Alleged torture in Sparendaam lock-ups… Criminal charges likely for Constable, Inspector

Junior Thornton, who was allegedly tortured by the police.

Two police ranks, including an Inspector, could appear before the court this week if the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) follows the recommendations of the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), in the matter involving the alleged torture of former detainee at the Sparendaam Police Station, Junior Thornton. PCA Chairman Cecil Kennard had last week recommended criminal charges for two of the ranks following an extensive investigation that was conducted by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility. This newspaper understands that it was recommended that one rank, a Constable who allegedly inflicted the injury on Thornton, be charged with Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm, while the Inspector is likely to be charged with Attempting to Perverting the Course of Justice. There are reports that an attempt was made by the Inspector, acting on behalf of the rank directly involved in the alleged torture, to compensate Thornton for his injuries, by offering his father $100,000. But when questioned about this, Attorney at law Dexter Todd, who is representing the interest of Thornton’s relatives, had told reporters, “I believe that the $100,000, based on my instructions, was given to assist him with his transportation, and not as one to not allow the course of justice to take its rightful course and for the police to investigate this matter, so I don’t know of that.” There are also likely to be departmental charges for a few other ranks who were on duty on May 27 last when the incident allegedly occurred. Thorton’s hands with allegedly doused with methylated spirits and set alight while he was in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station lock-ups. He had been picked up for loitering. Although Thornton was released the following day, the police kept the matter under wraps and it was only after relatives of the injured man reported it to the Police Complaints Authority that an investigation was launched. There was a slight hiccup in the matter when the PCA Chairman reported that he had been unable to properly review the file because the police had sent it to him minus the medical report. That issue was subsequently rectified and he was eventually able to make his recommendations. A check with the DPP’s Chambers yesterday confirmed that the matter is being looked at with a view to advising the police on the way forward. So far the only casualty has been an Assistant Superintendent of Police who served as the Sub-Divisional Officer, who has been ignominiously transferred to the Canine Section.