North West
police under fire over alleged police BRUTALITY
Wednesday 20 May 2015 20:26
Sello Tatai
Some taxi operators claim they were
attacked by police.(SABC)
North
West police have been lambasted for perceived brutality. This follows a recent
taxi driver’s protest in Mahikeng.
They have been accused of being heavy handed. On Monday scores people were injured in a violent scuffle with police during a taxi operators’ protest against the new bus system Rea Kgona. An exclusive video of the event shows a police officer beating a man lying on the ground.
The police’s action is under scrutiny. An injured taxi driver claims that he was shot at close range by police.
“I was just walking, I did not do anything, and they shot me twice. We are being shot like birds.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province wants an investigation into the incident.
“The footage that I have seen is totally shocking and this comes from the North West police after Marikana of which we are still waiting for the report,” says DA leader Chris Hattingh.
North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo says avenues to investigate police are in place.
“The extent that they may have intervened in a way that may have sent a message that say they are brutal is something that could be dealt with.”
Police however believe their actions were justified. “If these taxi drivers, when they want to voice out their frustrations they disturb other citizens, they take buses, offload occupants, take keys of these buses, block roads with them. You will understand that this is not the situation police will allow. We are convinced that we dealt with the situation according to the way situation demanded, “ says Hawks Spokesperson Paul Ramaloko.
Complaints against police are investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
They have been accused of being heavy handed. On Monday scores people were injured in a violent scuffle with police during a taxi operators’ protest against the new bus system Rea Kgona. An exclusive video of the event shows a police officer beating a man lying on the ground.
The police’s action is under scrutiny. An injured taxi driver claims that he was shot at close range by police.
“I was just walking, I did not do anything, and they shot me twice. We are being shot like birds.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province wants an investigation into the incident.
“The footage that I have seen is totally shocking and this comes from the North West police after Marikana of which we are still waiting for the report,” says DA leader Chris Hattingh.
North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo says avenues to investigate police are in place.
“The extent that they may have intervened in a way that may have sent a message that say they are brutal is something that could be dealt with.”
Police however believe their actions were justified. “If these taxi drivers, when they want to voice out their frustrations they disturb other citizens, they take buses, offload occupants, take keys of these buses, block roads with them. You will understand that this is not the situation police will allow. We are convinced that we dealt with the situation according to the way situation demanded, “ says Hawks Spokesperson Paul Ramaloko.
Complaints against police are investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
