VRYHEID: IPID investigates ‘death as a result of police action’

The death of a young man allegedly at the hands of the police has led to a community protest in Ulundi.
According to police, a group of people embarked on a protest action on Sunday night at 8pm and blockaded the R66 road, Mbilane in Ulundi. The protest continued on Monday, where a group of approximately 3000 people gathered and blocked the same road with burning tyres and rubble. The route going into the Ulundi CBD was also blocked by taxi drivers.
“They were throwing stones at the vehicles. The police had to use rubber bullets to disperse the unruly crowd. A total of five suspects aged between 36 and 45 were arrested for public violence. They are expected to appear before the Mahlabathinni Magistrate’s Court,” said Captain Nqobile Gwala in a statement. The protest was sparked by the death of a young man whom the community claim died due to “police brutality” last week Wednesday.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Ndileka Cola confirmed that IPID was investigating ‘death as a result of police action’.

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“It is alleged that police were acting on information that the deceased was in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The deceased was allegedly at his girlfriend’s place when police arrived and demanded a firearm from him. The deceased allegedly denied having a firearm. The police officers locked themselves up in the bedroom with the deceased, as allegedly the deceased was heard crying in agony. After a short while, the police left with the deceased, who was handcuffed. The police allegedly did not explain where or why they were taking the deceased; they just left. As alleged, after a while, the deceased came back alone in a terrible state, very weak and vomiting blood. Upon realising that his situation was getting worse, he was taken to a local clinic for medical attention.
“The clinic transferred him to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” said Cola.
She said IPID has started the investigation process “though the scene is volatile, as the community is protesting against police officers and demanding that action be taken against the police officers. IPID officials will wait until the situation subsides so they can acquire witness statements. IPID investigators will be gathering all necessary information and evidence as part of the investigation process that will inform any action and recommendations by the Directorate.”

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