Former Wits SRC president, Shaeera Kalla, has released a statement via her Facebook page and in it she explains the lead up to her fall-out with police and subsequent injury.
“Today at about 12pm, I, along with a group of students were peacefully protesting on West Campus when police once again unleashed violence on us. At the time, we all had our hands up in the air and some of us were negotiating with police not to shoot at the group. I was shot 13 times in the back, at a very close range in a targeted attack on students. I am currently in hospital and I will have to stay in according to the doctors,” she said in her statement.
She added that upon her arrival at Milpark Hospital in Parktown, she was met by three police officers who demanded she give them a statement.
“Even as we sit in hospital beds and others languish in prisons, I take strength from students across the country who are continuing the fight,” she said.
Kalla will be staying in hospital for an unknown period of time in order for doctors to monitor her progress.
She did however, admit to being in extreme pain but did not speak about her exact injuries.
Acting Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Pahlane said that an investigation into Kalla’s shooting will be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directive (IPID).
He added that they had noted, despite efforts made by all involved, unruly elements continue to disrupt classes and examinations whilst destroying university infrastructure and conducting themselves in a manner that provoked police.
“We again call on all concerned to act lawfully and to allow those who chose to complete the academic year,” he concluded.
