Today, 18 March 2013, the Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Human Settlement, Public Safety and Liaison, Hon. Mahlakeng Mahlakeng has expressed shock and concern in the recent police brutality incident in Setlopo Village near Mahikeng.
He said this after the Committee had visited Mr Morgan Mohlala, a local policing forum chairperson and court interpreter who was allegedly dragged for about 100 meters in a gravel road by a police officer in a police vehicle at Setlopo village. Mr Mohlala was allegedly trying to intervene in an incident involving the police, a local man and a shop owner.
“We are shocked and concerned by what has happened, as this is the second incident involving the police in the same area. It is disturbing to hear that the very same people, who are supposed to protect our people from criminal elements in their surroundings, are the ones that are attacking them.
“It is clear that the victim is familiar with the court processes and if police wanted to arrest him, he would not have resisted,” said Hon. Mahlakeng.
Hon Mahlakeng said the Committee will have a follow-up meeting with the North West South African Police Service management tomorrow, 19 March, in the Legislature Committee Room 2 at 08h00.
The SAPS management will be briefing the Committee on the progress of police brutality incidents including the cases of the late Mr Tshepiso Nebe of Lomanyaneng village who was allegedly killed by police during a protest in the area, and a case of a police constable who was arrested after she allegedly dragged and killed a man by trapping him in a moving car in Klerksdorp last year.
For more information contact:
Namhla Luhabe
Cell: 079 527 0628
