The late Andries Baloyi’s niece, Busisiwe Maso, has accused the Etwatwa SAPS of covering up the alleged killing of her uncle by a tavern owner’s wife in Barcelona.

Speaking to Benoni City Times outside the police station on July 10, Maso said witnesses told the family that the tavern owner’s wife allegedly assaulted and killed Baloyi (39) following an alleged groping incident.

“My uncle was with his friend, Fish, who told us Andries was assaulted by the wife of the tavern owner for allegedly touching her inappropriately.

“This lady admitted to assaulting my uncle but said she didn’t kill him,” said Maso.

“How can she say she didn’t beat him to death when he died after the assault?

“Witnesses say she squeezed my uncle’s private parts until he released gas. The neighbours didn’t understand why she assaulted Andries because they were used to seeing them play with each other like that.”

Maso claimed that after Etwatwa police arrived at the scene, an officer used his boot to inspect Baloyi’s lifeless body before concluding that no case could be opened because there were no visible injuries or stab or gunshot wounds.

“How can the police make that claim when Andries was bleeding from the nose? There was a hammer and a baton on the couch. The police left us with Andries’ body until we called an undertaker. We were told to make a statement, but then the police said they couldn’t take it. Their attitude was painful,” she said.

Also Read: Community accuses Etwatwa SAPS of policing failures

The Barcelona community marched to the Etwatwa SAPS on July 6, where Maso said they found the suspect and her husband opening a malicious damage to property case after their shack was allegedly vandalised.

“The police helped them but couldn’t help us.”

According to Maso, the couple, believed to be Zimbabwean nationals who allegedly operated an unlicensed tavern, were escorted away by police when tensions escalated.

“I want justice for my uncle. The suspect and her husband received protection from Etwatwa police officers. When we found them here, the police drove them away in their van. I want to know where they are.”

Station commander responds

Etwatwa Station commander Patrick Qangase refuted Maso’s allegations, saying there was no wrongdoing from their side and that Baloyi died of natural causes.

“Usually if a person died as a result of natural causes, there’s no need for a case, which was the situation in this instance.

“We only opened an inquest because after we consulted with the family, they disputed the paramedics’ report that the death of Andries Baloyi was as a result of natural causes.

“As a case of good measure, I thought it’s only fair to open an inquest so we can establish the cause of death for the sanity of the family.

“I must confirm that upon examining the deceased, the police found no visible injuries nor anything that suggested that the deceased was murdered. Procedure was followed,” Qangase said.

Maso called for the immediate removal of Qangase, saying the station needed leadership that would hold officers accountable.

“He should be replaced by someone who will do his job. I admit there are lots of hardworking officers at this station, but they are painted badly by the corrupt ones. We want to see a change.”

Also Read: Operation Shanela yields arrests at Etwatwa