Forensics For Justice is offering a R1-million cash reward for any valid information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of high-profile Western Cape Lieutenant Colonel Charl Kinnear.
Kinnear (43) was gunned down in front of his Bishop Lavis home shortly after 3pm on Friday afternoon [September 18], according to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa said Kinnear was found in his vehicle, shot several times in the upper body. He was certified dead shortly thereafter.
Officials suspect Kinnear was assassinated. Forensics For Justice, a non-profit organisation focused on exposing corruption, are looking for any concrete information on Kinnear’s murderer, and plan to pass it on to the Hawks.
Paul O’Sullivan, a private investigator for the organization, told News24: “If the underworld believes that they can win the day, and bring the country to its knees by murdering decent, ethical cops, we need to show them that cannot be the case.”
Kinnear was attached to the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit as a section commander involved in investigations into several high profile cases resulting in multiple arrests. He was the investigating officer on the extortion case of alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack, and many other similar cases.
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele visited Kinnears family at their home on Saturday [September 19] and assured them they would do all they can to find the person responsible for his death.
“This officer was one of the good guys but was taken away by ruthless criminals that where feeling the heat through his investigations. This is why we will leave no stone unturned and will be bringing in more resources if needs be, so those responsible for this heinous crime are found,” said Cele.
“From the report I have received, this officer has been under threat for some time. He was provided with police protection but that was withdrawn at some point, now I want to know what informed that decision. This family deserves to know whether their father was failed and if so, heads must roll.”
The Minister believes an investigation into police protection for other detectives investigating high profile cases in the province must also be looked into.
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