Cops’ treatment of child probed
VIRAL VIDEO: SAFETY OFFICIALS GET INTO SCUFFLE
Screaming boy is seen being dragged by the arm, calling for his father.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has called for an investigation into the manhandling of a child while KwaDukuza crime prevention and traffic officers were allegedly enforcing lockdown regulations.
A video, which has gone viral on social media, taken at a complex in Ballito on the north coast on Sunday, shows the scuffle between the officers and others as the child is dragged out of the premises by the arm while shouting for his father.
Zikalala said the officers were responding to a complaint after several families were seen at the beach that morning.
He instructed transport, community safety and liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli and cooperative and local governance MEC Sipho Hlomuka to launch an urgent investigation into the alleged incident and to provide him with a report.
“As the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, we do not condone any form of abuse against citizens, especially children, during the Covid-19 national lockdown,” said Zikalala.
He said although municipal peace officers had a responsibility to maintain peace in their neighbourhoods during the lockdown, “the abuse of children would not be tolerated”.
“Our country’s constitution promotes special protection for children because they are among the most vulnerable members of society.”
He also called for calm. “We appeal for cool heads during this difficult time and also appeal to our people to respect the regulations of the lockdown, to prevent any unnecessary confrontation with law enforcement officers,” he added.
KwaDukuza acting mayor Dolly Govender condemned the incident.
“I was ashamed of seeing what is happening with community safety officials. I have spoken to a senior official, who is calling in these officers to ascertain what happened.” – News24 Wire