Police should protect
It is sad to note that a family has lost a loved one(P3), a child for that matter, that was supposed to be in the care of police, who are meant to protect. I agree that it is wrong that the young boys were stealing and had to be disciplined somehow but what worries me is why the young men were left on the N1 and not taken into custody or back to their homes if they were not charged?
The Constitution of South Africa lays down that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has a responsibility to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the republic and their property, uphold and enforce the law, create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa, prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security of any community and ensure that criminals are brought to justice and participate in efforts to address the causes of crime.
However serious concerns have been expressed about police brutality and negligence in South Africa and I believe that this is one such case- negligence. The death of this young man must be investigated to the letter and justice served to those responsible. It cannot be said that those police who picked up the boy cannot be ‘identified.’ That can’t be! They must be named and shamed. Justice must be served.
Lerato…
