Alleged act of police brutality probed
General Ntobela has seen the video and has expressed his unhappiness and
concern with the way the alleged events unfold on the video.
26
November 2013 14:13
Nelspruit
– Today, 26 November 2013, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General
Thulani Ntobela pronounces on the probe into the CCTV footage of the police
allegedly manhandling patrons at a tavern in Matsulu on the evening of 26
October 2013, that went viral.
General
Ntobela has seen the video and has expressed his unhappiness and concern with
the way the alleged events unfold on the video. He subsequently ordered an
immediate investigation into the matter. The investigator that has been
appointed has opened a skeleton docket with an aim to accumulate evidence to
confirm the allegations. The owner of the tavern and the manager refused to
cooperate with the police. They said the video does not have the name of their
tavern hence they do not want to be drawn into the matter.
Apart
from this, none of the patrons approached the police to lay a charge. On the
basis of the two articulations we therefore appeal to all affected parties to
come forth to report so that the investigation into the matter can be finalised
lest the footage will be taken as allegations.
The
Provincial Commissioner acknowledges some of the isolated complaints where the
police are found to have allegedly overstepped their mark to use force, that is
not equivalent to the situation at hand however he assures the community that
those few police officials if found will be dealt with according to internal
procedures and prescripts.
“I will
not allow any police official in my province to be above the law and go around
assaulting innocent community members instead of making them be and feel safe
especially while we are busy with festive season operations.I strongly condemn
lawlessness and any member found guilty will have to face the consequences,”
articulated Ntobela.
The
police raid liquor outlets to check for non compliance with the terms
stipulated by Liquor Board when they issue licences. They (police) are further
expected to, where necessary, search patrons for illegal firearms, drugs,
dangerous weapons et cetera to ensure the safety of law abiding citizens.
