‘POLICE almost killed me in my own home.’
A traumatized Mtubatuba man is pursuing justice after he was brutally attacked and injured during a ‘police’ home invasion in March.
Nhlakanipho Buthelezi (37) claims police burst into his house at Manzimnandi Reserve before midnight and viciously attacked him, his sister and his old frail mother.
Buthelezi said while sleeping in his home police arrived at his home travelling in white Quantum taxi and Land Cruiser vehicle.
The devastated man said police officials forced entry into the house and demanded firearms.
‘I told them I didn’t own a guns, but they responded by assaulting me. They beat and strangled me before they moved to my mother’s room and started assaulting the rest of my family,’ he said.
‘My mother and sister were badly hurt,’ he said.
According to Buthelezi he was also seriously wounded on his body including chest, face and eyes.
‘Even now I can’t see properly. I thought I was going to die,’
Buthelezi claims he was left on the floor to die, and ‘police’ took his cellphone and R8 000 cash which was in his room.
Soon after the incident, Buthelezi was rushed to Hlabisa Hospital.
He spent one day receiving medical attention and was discharged the next day.
Police investigation delays
‘The survivor opened a case of assault and attempted murder against the police at KwaMsane Police Station, however feels police are now ‘dragging their feet’.
‘I saw the number plate of one vehicle and reported it to the police but I feel there are delaying their investigation. When I reported this matter to KwaMsane police they informed me these officials are part of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) who were camping in Hluhluwe,’ he said.
Buthelezi said nothing has happened since March and now seek justice for his family’s attack.
According to KwaMsane SAPS spokesperson Capt Jabulani Mdletshe the case is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
