Sunday, July 5, 2015

Crimes of the South African Police Service

Police ‘repeat mistakes’ in Brits
AN INDEPENDENT investigation and clarification on when police may use live ammunition: these are what the Council for the Advancement of the SA Constitution (Casac) and the DA are calling for as outrage mounts over the deaths of two protesters in Mothutlung, Brits, during a service delivery protest this week.

Casac likened the deaths – allegedly at the hands of police – to the killing of Andries Tatane in the Free State in 2011, the Marikana massacre in 2012 and the killing of Mido Macia in Daveyton last year.

“Citizens would have every right to expect that lessons would have been learnt and remedial measures implemented” after those deaths, the organisation said yesterday.
“So far, no one has been held to account. The failure to act… will only serve to undermine respect for the rule of law.”

Casac chairman Sipho Pityana said: “It appears that a policy of maximum force is prevalent within the SAPS.”

DA North West leader Chris Hattingh said violence could never be condoned at a protest action, by either side.

By Vuyo Mkize and Sapa - vuyo.mkhize@inl.co.za
The Star 15/01/14 Early Edition