Family sues cops for failing to respond
23 October 2014 9:08
A Joburg family is suing
the police for more than R770 000, claiming they did not respond to numerous
calls for help during threats of violence by an estranged husband.
A bed-ridden woman was
doused in petrol and set alight, allegedly by her daughter’s husband in
November last year, The Star reported today.
Prior to this, the daughter
had filed for a divorce and she and her sister, had secured a protection order.
The family had reportedly
spent years living in fear due to his abusive nature.
The family filed a civil
lawsuit against police after they allegedly ignored the sisters and their
lawyer nine times when they reported his threats at the Sophiatown police
station, the daily reported.
The damages claim is
directed at the Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, National Police Commissi
oner
Riah Phiyega and four police officers stationed at the police station.
The woman’s husband
allegedly threatened her and her mother with a firearm in September 2013, The
Star reported.
He also threatened to burn
down their house after they obtained the protection order and allegedly
assaulted his sister-in-law.
