A shocking press statement released by the legal representatives and supporters of Frank Buyanga Sadiqi has exposed egregious violations of his fundamental rights and systemic abuses of power by South African authorities.
Sadiqi, a prominent businessperson and philanthropist, has been subjected to unlawful detention, procedural irregularities, and a blatant miscarriage of justice. His detention contravenes Section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which mandates that an arrested person must be brought before a court within 48 hours.
The statement highlights several key violations, including:
– Unlawful Detention: Sadiqi was arrested on November 29, 2022, but only brought to court for his first appearance on December 7, 2022.
– Irregular Registration of SAPS Case Docket: The SAPS case docket was registered without a supporting A1 statement from the complainant, rendering the registration invalid and procedurally flawed.
– Abuse of Power by the Hawks: The Hawks registered a parallel criminal docket against immigration practitioners who assisted Sadiqi, acting beyond their legal mandate.
– False Allegations and Lack of Evidence: The state’s case against Sadiqi lacks prima facie evidence, and the complainant’s credibility has been severely compromised.
– Bail Refusal: Despite offering a substantial bail amount of R12 million, Sadiqi’s bail application was refused, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.
– Alleged Escape: Sadiqi has been falsely accused of conspiring to escape from prison, with no evidence to support these claims. This allegation has further compromised his right to a fair trial.
The statement demands the immediate and unconditional release of Sadiqi, dismissal of all charges, and a thorough investigation into the abuses of power by the Hawks, SAPS, and other involved authorities.
The judiciary is urged to expedite the review of Sadiqi’s case and ensure that justice is served without further delay. The statement also appeals to the judicial and executive community, human rights organizations, and all people of conscience to stand in solidarity with Sadiqi.
As reported earlier, Sadiqi’s detention has taken a toll on his health, with reports indicating that he has fallen sick in prison. His supporters argue that his prosecution is “concocted and malicious” and that he has been denied his fundamental rights, including access to private medical healthcare.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Sadiqi’s immediate release and an end to the alleged persecution. As the matter continues to unfold, one thing is clear: justice must be served, and those responsible for these egregious violations must be held accountable.
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