Businessman alleged victim of SAP brutality
Injuries to Mr Manuel Pestana's leg that were ...show more
Studies by the centre showed a marked increase in the perpetration of violence.
13 March 2012
In his affidavit, Mr Manuel Pestana stated that five police officers in civilian clothing entered his business premises and reportedly manhandled a staff member who worked for him.
When Pestana approached them to ask them what the problem was, the officers then supposedly assaulted him.
He said while he was lying helplessly on the ground he kept asking them what the problem was, but they kept kicking him.
"My wife, Martha was present when the incident took place and also pleaded with them to tell her what the problem was, but one chased her away," said Pestana.
He also added that they smelt of alcohol. Mpumalanga police spokesman, Lt Col Leonard Hlathi confirmed that Pestana had opened a case against law enforcement at Badplaas Police Station.
Hlathi said the case was still under investigation. A survey revealed that police brutality was an established reality in South Africa, according the latest studies by the centre for the study of violence and reconciliation.
Numerous media reports of the cruelty by the SAP reveal alleged victims had been kicked, unnecessarily pepper-sprayed and beaten.
Studies by the centre showed a marked increase in the perpetration of violence by law enforcement.
The number of assault investigations conducted by the independent complaints directorate trebled from 255 to 920 between 2001/02 and 2009/10.
Fatal shooting investigations reached 556 and 524 respectively in 2008/09 and 2009/10.
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/lowveld/lowveld-news-general?oid=5168598&sn=Detail&pid=490169&Businessman-alleged-victim-of-SAP-brutality
