A settlement has been reached in a case involving the alleged use of a racially derogatory remark by one high-ranking policeman to another, The Star reported on Monday.
SAPS Roodepoort director Eben McLaren opened a claim for R1 million in damages against the minister of police and two police officers, claiming that the two officials falsely instituted crimen injuria charges against him. The case was set to be heard in the High Court in Pretoria last week.
Captain Victor Pambo, of Lonehill, claimed McLaren called him a ‘kaffir’ while other police members were getting into his vehicle at the intersection of Bosman and Pretorius Streets. McLaren allegedly thought Pambo was committing a traffic violation.
Pambo opened a criminal case of crimen injuria against McLaren, as well as an internal police grievance. The charges were later withdrawn and McLaren was acquitted in his disciplinary hearing.
The trial was set down for six days last week, but was averted when the parties reached a settlement.
According to the settlement, the minister of police would pay half of McLaren’s legal fees for the process of instituting the damages claim.
This was not to be interpreted as an admission of liability and was to be considered as full and final settlement on the matter. – Sapa