Cape Town – Len Cloete, 59, was reportedly released from the hospital on Thursday and is recovering at home after he was shot in the head by police in November last year at a Muldersdrift guest house, Gauteng.
Cloete was a guest at Misty Hills Country Hotel when he got into an argument with staff, prompting the police to intervene.
A viral social media video showed a half-naked Cloete arguing with police until he was shot at close range.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent two operations on his brain and skull and remained in a coma for several weeks under police guard.
He regained consciousness in December and began rehabilitation in January.
The Citizen reported on Friday that Cloete is now being accommodated at home.
However, he has not fully recovered as he is only able to use one side of his body, and continues to undergo rehabilitation.
He is also wheelchair-bound, and is not yet able to walk or talk.
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According to Pretoria Rekord, three investigations are currently under way: one by police against Cloete, another by the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID) into the police’s conduct on the day, and a civil case filed by Cloete’s wife Chantal against the police.
The progress of the three cases under investigation, however, would be contingent on Cloete’s recovery.
“Cloete has to be fully compos mentis. He has to stand in court and be able to state whether he is guilty or not,” the report quoted specialist private investigator handling the case Luke Enslin as saying.
He continued: “He is not fit enough to go to court and answer any charges against him in court, so they need a few documents and reports and that investigation will be placed before a senior public prosecutor”.
Chantal claimed that the police officers who handled the situation on the day of the incident acted illegally by shooting her husband.
As a result, she seeks compensation for the financial shortfall caused by Cloete’s inability to work, as well as payment of his medical bills.
The IPID would be relying on medical professionals to give reports on Cloete’s ability to give his version of events.
In the event Cloete is never able or fit enough to give information, the National Prosecuting Authority would be engaged for a way forward.
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Picture: Facebook/ @Chantal Deidre Cloete
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
