The trial of three police officers accused of torturing a barber nearly three years ago has been postponed for the 11th time. Lieutenant-colonel Delmore Manuel, constable Jermaine Conradie, and constable Leigh-Ann Maroon were accused of repeatedly assaulting barber Juma Igiraneza during a raid on his workplace in Mowbray on 7 November 2023. The officers allegedly beat Igiraneza with a baseball bat and suffocated him with a plastic bag in an attempt to get information about the whereabouts of his boss.
The case appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 21 September 2026, with the new trial date set for 19 May 2027. Magistrate Karel Meyer expressed confidence that this would be the final date, and all parties involved, including the interpreter, had agreed that the date was suitable for them. However, this has been a long and troubled process, with the trial having previously been set down for March 2025 before collapsing over plea negotiations.
The case was then set to begin in April 2026, but there was no Kirundi interpreter available for Igiraneza’s testimony, leading to further delays. The state then provisionally withdrew charges and reinstated them a month later. Igiraneza, who travelled from the Eastern Cape to attend Monday’s court appearance, shrugged when asked about the postponement, with his brother expressing frustration that they would likely have to return next year.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, all three officers are still on active duty. Disciplinary action by the South African Police Service (SAPS) resulted in Conradie receiving a final written warning, Maroon receiving a written warning, and Manuel being found not guilty. Notably, Manuel is currently the station commander in Muizenberg, highlighting concerns about accountability within the police force.
The allegations against the officers are severe, involving not only physical assault but also attempted suffocation. Such actions have serious implications for public trust in law enforcement and the protection of human rights. The prolonged delay in the trial has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing police misconduct.
The case has significant implications for police accountability and the protection of civilians from abuse of power. Human rights organizations and community leaders have expressed concern about the delays and the fact that the accused officers remain on duty. The upcoming trial will be closely watched by various stakeholders, including human rights groups and the general public.
As the trial approaches, attention will focus on whether justice will be served for Igiraneza and whether the case will lead to greater accountability within the SAPS. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for police reform and the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Key points
- The trial of the three police officers has been set for 19 May 2027.
- The accused officers are still on active duty despite the serious allegations.
- The case has been postponed 11 times, causing frustration for the victim and his family.
