The case, however, in the meantime, according to Lieut Juanita Coetzer, Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson, has been withdrawn due to a lack of evidence and a reasonable explanation that proves the suspect’s innocence.
He was detained at the Boksburg North Police Station, and spent three nights in a cell.
According to Kevin McCallum, Gibson’s lawyer, the alleged stolen property, which is an imported coffeemaker, is part of a confinement of stolen items worth R1.5-m.
“Police told us that on July 1, a truck was hijacked in Harrismith, and the coffeemaker formed part of the stolen goods,” says McCallum.
Gibson says he bought the alleged stolen coffeemaker for R15 000 from a friend on July 9, and didn’t know it was stolen. “I received an invoice on payment. The police say the machine is worth R62 000.”
Coetzer confirms that a case was opened against Gibson for possession of stolen goods.
“The Hawks arrested the suspect and opened a case against him, which was handed over to our detectives.”
Gibson says he believes the Hawks were just trying to do their job, but handled the case badly, and he has lost faith in the judicial system.
“I am considering my legal options against the minister of Safety and Security for wrongfully detaining me.”
