Sunday 18 December 2011 15:29
Abra Barbier, Cape Town.
Kwezi Mbatsha was allegedly beaten to death by members of a special police task team.(SABC)
The community of Nyanga on the Cape Flats is preparing to mobilise as they mourn the death of one of their own. Kwezi Mbatsha was laid to rest today, after allegedly being beaten to death by members of a special police task team.
The case is being investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) but community members say police brutality is rife in the area.
Community Worker Thulani Pike says: "We are shocked but at the same time we are not suprised about this because it's been going on, police brutality in our community."
Family and friends say Mbatsha, a father of one, had admitted to being involved in a fight a few weeks ago during which he shot two men, injuring them both.
The family has not been able to access the autopsy report but they have been told Mbatsha died after suffering an epileptic fit
When police appeared at his home at six in the morning, he went along willingly to answer their questions, but a few hours later he was dead.
The family has not been able to access the autopsy report but they have been told Mbatsha died after suffering an epileptic fit.
His aunt, Lulu Mngoma says: "The police are supposed to protect, uphold the rule of law, instead of making a travesty of our criminal justice system. We are going to do everything in our power to ensure justice is served, that these police are brought to book."
Family members say they have witnesses who saw Mbatsha being beaten up by the police's Technical Response Team.
The matter has been referred to the ICD and the family intends taking legal action against the police. They are also seeking political intervention.
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/2d8e03004977aeee95fbbf8fff21edc4/Community-in-shock,-as-police-brutality-leaves-one-dead-20111218
