Gang Boss Controlled Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africans Unamazed

• An alleged gang boss appeared at the Verulam Magistrates Court recently on charges of attempted murder
• The suspect allegedly tried to kill an off-duty metro police officer when the officer was on his way home from a prayer
• The suspect is also reportedly said to have the Verulam Police Station under his control and has police officers on his criminal payroll
• Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda spoke to Briefly News

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered police investigations and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.

VERULAM – An alleged gang leader in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, was said to have the Verulam Police Station firmly in his grip. His control over the police station reportedly included having members of the South African Police Service on his payroll.

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Gang leader appears in court

Anthony Gouden appeared at the Verulam Magistrates Court last week Thursday, 11 April, after he allegedly attempted to murder a metro police officer. According to IOL, the officer was on his way home from a prayer session when he noticed Gounden's car blocked the road. He confronted Gounden, and Gounden's two bodyguards came out of the vehicle. They reportedly assaulted the officer.

He was denied bail

The Hawks took on the case because the police in Verulam were unwilling to investigate him. The Hawks' investigator believed this was because the officers were on Gouden's payroll. The investigators also discovered that the police may have assisted him in registering security companies so they could have firearms. When Gouden appeared, he vehemently denied being a gang member. He was denied bail, and his case was postponed until June.

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SAPS spokesperson speaks to Briefly News

KZN SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed to Briefly News they are aware of the allegations.

"The matter is investigated by the Hawks," he said.

South Africans not surprised by gangster's actions

Netizens on Facebook discussing the gangster's alleged control of the police station were not surprised by the claims.

Owen Rolando said:

"This is happening at all police stations in South Africa. This is why crime is on the increase because of corrupt cops in league with criminals."

Xolani Magesh Nonzaba said:

"That's not new. Most of the police officers are under gangsters' payrolls."

Ramitha Siriparsad said:

"Most police stations and drug units are friends with drug lords. The sad thing is that we live in a lawless and corrupt country."

Olebogeng Motlogelwa said:

"Such police members must be arrested and locked up for good."

Zikhali F Tiyeka said:

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"Not surprised at all."

Alleged West Gang members killed in a shootout with SAPS in KZN

In a similar article, Briefly News reported that three members of the West Gang were killed during a shootout with the police in January this year.

The police found them in a hideout, and when the suspects discovered that the police had cornered them, they fired at the cops.

The police responded, and a gunfight ensued, which resulted in three of the members getting killed.

Source: Briefly News