Magistrate Gilhuys's shooting...“We are not surprised at the outcome”

Magistrate Gilhuys’s shooting…“We are not surprised at the outcome”

Aug 31, 2008 News

– victim’s relatives

Relatives of police corporal Mark George, who was shot by Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys, say they are not at all surprised at the outcome of the matter.
On Thursday last, acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene, responding to questions regarding the shooting, said that the Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended that no charges be laid against the magistrate.
However, relatives of the injured police rank say that, while they are disappointed that nothing has come out of the matter, they are not surprised.
A relative, who asked not to be identified, said that the fact that the issue was delayed for such a long time was a clear indication of what would have been the outcome.
“Even if we try, there is nothing we could do… after all, you cannot fight the system. Maybe if it was another country it would have been different…all we can do is leave it up to God,” the relative lamented.
The relatives added that they are just thankful that George is alive, given the extent of his injuries.
“All we can say now is thanks to God for keeping him alive. If he was dead, it would have been the same outcome… but we are thankful.”
Meanwhile, responding to rumours that the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions not to institute charges was because George had withdrawn his statement, relatives say this is not the case.
According to the man’s relative, a while after the incident, George gave a statement to the police in the presence of his lawyer; and at no time afterwards did he withdraw his statement.
The relatives are adamant that at no time did George express any interest or desire of wanting to rescind the action.
Meanwhile, to this date, there has not been any pronouncement on whether or not Magistrate Gilhuys is still a sitting magistrate. However, since the incident, the magistrate has not presided over any matter.
On Thursday, June 26 last, the magistrate’s vehicle was reportedly parked on Woolford Avenue; and as a police patrol vehicle approached, Gilhuys opened fire, hitting George in his stomach. The police returned fire at the magistrate’s vehicle, but Gilhuys escaped injury.