Victim of alleged army assault laid to rest
ALEXANDRA – Area councillor, Tefo Raphadu, said the community would follow the investigation closely.
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has paid condolences to the Alex family of a victim who died at his home, allegedly at the hands of soldiers patrolling the township during the lockdown.
READ MORE: Allegations of soldiers’ involvement in man’s death at his home
Collins Khoza, who was buried on 18 April in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province died late afternoon on 13 April after the alleged assault. In a news report when relaying government’s condolences, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula said post-mortem results identified the cause of the death as blunt-force trauma to the head.
“We bow our heads in shame for the incident as we pass on the condolences to the family,” Nqakula said, adding that the gesture was accepted by the family and that the incident was under investigation by the department.
This followed earlier confirmation by the Gauteng police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters of the incident as an alleged murder they were investigating. Peters said said no arrests had been made.
Area councillor, Tefo Raphadu, said the community would follow the investigation closely as the use of force was not part of the lockdown measures.
“More-so as the deceased was allegedly assaulted within his premises, together with a relative, after they were accused of alcohol consumption during the lockdown. Footage said to be evidence of the assault also featured in news clips. Joburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo also condemned the incident, saying residents were to be protected and not abused.
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