The Democratic Alliance in the North West has written to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) requesting an investigation into SAPS conduct during protests, which swept across the Province.
According to Joe McGluwa, the NW DA leader, on Saturday 21 April, the DA visited families who were affected by the police action during the protests. ‘We were informed that police barged into people’s houses shooting at children and old people.’
He added that they were also informed that police acted with force against community members who were just innocent bystanders.
‘They also shot at people who were laying on the ground.’
We furthermore met with a family who told us that police unfairly discriminated against them, using derogatory terms such as “bushmen” and telling them that they did not belong there.
‘During our visit, we were informed that police promised to pay for the hospital expenses for those injured but we could not find proof that this was done. Due to the serious nature of injuries sustained by Cuan Everrett, we decided to take him to the hospital to get medical attention,’ he said.
‘The behaviour displayed by members of the police is completely unacceptable, police officers should serve and protect not discriminate or shoot at innocent people.
‘Our province has an unfortunate history of police brutality, and we cannot afford to have another Marikana massacre on our hands.
In the short-term, Supra Mahumapelo must be removed, and come 2019 the people must exercise their power by voting for total change,’ says McGluwa.
