Magistrate probes claim of police beating

A magisterial inquiry has been launched into an allegation of police beating made in court by a Cameroonian man who admitted to trying to leave the island with more cash than legally permitted.

The man, Bernard Tchebo Nyapsi, a 31-year-old singer, was in Malta with his friend, car dealer Stephane Tessa Serge, 32, who was on a business trip. Together the men were carrying €63,000 when they tried to leave on Wednesday.

As their arraignment got under way yesterday and they both admitted to breaking the law, Mr Nyapsi claimed that while at the police lock-up he had been beaten up by four officers.

He said they pushed him to the ground and stamped on his chest after he refused to sign a document.

Mr Tchebo Nyapsi gave four different versions when it came to the number of policemen he alleged were involved in the attack. Initially, he said there were four officers, then that they were six, then seven and, finally, six again.

In view of the allegations, Magistrate Giovanni Grixti opened a magisterial inquiry and, once their arraignment was over, he began hearing witnesses immediately. The inquiry is still open.

Police Inspector Ivan Cilia said that Mr Serge had been carrying €32,500 while Mr Nyapsi was carrying €30,500. He added that by law they were only allowed €10,000 each.

Taking into consideration their immediate admission, Magistrate Grixti fined Mr Tessa €8,125 and confiscated €22,500.

He fined Mr Tchebo €7,625 and confiscated €20,500, a total of €58,750.

Police Inspector Ivan Cilia prosecuted.

Lawyer Stefano Filletti appeared for Mr Tessa.

Lawyer Ian Farrugia appeared for Mr Tchebo.