The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has noted with deep concern reports of the death of a taxi driver allegedly while in police custody. Media reports suggest that the 27-year-old man, a Mozambican national, was the victim of police brutality after he was allegedly assaulted by police officials from Daveyton police station, tied behind the back of a police van, and dragged to the nearby police station.
The incident which happened on Tuesday the 26th of February 2013 was captured on a cellphone by members of the public and the shocking footage has been flighted on the TV screens.
The SAHRC supports and welcomes the investigation launched by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). We urge the IPID to move with necessary speed and accuracy to establish the cause of this man’s death and to ensure that those responsible are brought to book.
The SAHRC would like to emphasise that the death or assault of anybody in the custody of the police is a matter of concern that deserves full investigation. Police brutality cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Contact:
Isaac Mangena
Head: Communications
Cell: 071 884 8273
Email: info@sahrc.org.za
