Bummer for cops as victim wins lawsuit
2015-08-11
13:46
(File, Nielen de Klerk,
News24) (Nielen de Klerk)
Pretoria - A man who was shot in the buttocks and thrown in the
boot of a car by members of the South African Police Service has received R500
000 in damages, the Pretoria News reported on Tuesday.
The High Court in Pretoria has awarded 34-year-old Patrick Xaba of
Bronkhorstspruit the claim after he was falsely detained by police, among other
things.
Xaba was reportedly waiting for a friend on the side of a road in
Zebediela, Limpopo in July 2011 when the incident took place.
According to the report, police had allegedly been waiting for
Xaba in his friend’s car, before confronting him and shooting him in the
buttocks. Police then interrogated him about allegedly stealing groceries and
airtime.
Despite his denials, Xaba was handcuffed and thrown into the boot
of his friend’s car to be questioned by people in the area.
When the police realised they had arrested the wrong suspect, they
reportedly took him back to the scene and placed an unlicensed firearm in his
hand, photographing him.
Xaba's lawyer argued in court this was done to defend the police
officers' actions, the Pretoria News reported.
He was then taken to hospital and kept under police guard for
three weeks.
Xaba’s lawyer claimed damages on his behalf on the grounds of the
shooting, as well as for unlawful arrest and detention, ending a four-year
ordeal.
Xaba’s story is not the only long-running saga of police brutality
to attract headlines this month.
Read more……
