Cops clash with patrons
● Police watchdog investigating case of assault and pointing of firearm by officers at Motherwell bar
Patrons of a busy Motherwell sports bar clashed with a group of police officers who arrived at the venue late at night and allegedly assaulted a bouncer and grabbed the cellphones of people filming them.
Police commanders have reported the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), which investigates crimes complaints against the police.
According to witnesses, about eight police officers – believed to be part of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) from Mthatha – arrived outside Coke’s Tavern in Mahambani Street, Motherwell NU10, before midnight on Tuesday.
The uniformed officers arrived in an unmarked police minibus and, witnesses claim, pushed their way into the busy bar, leading to a standoff with several patrons.
The incident has triggered a criminal and internal probe amid reports that at least six cellphones were taken.
The unit was deployed to Nelson Mandela Bay as part of the police’s attempt to stabilise crime – mainly ongoing gangrelated criminal activity.
At the time of the incident, about 100 patrons were inside the bar when chaos erupted, leading to a warning shot being fired outside in the road.
Bouncer Xolisa Mielies, 32, alleges he was beaten and pistol-whipped by the police, said the officers stopped outside the tavern and jumped out of their vehicle, searching people outside the bar.
“I saw them struggling with people [next to the entrance] and went to ask what was happening,” Mielies said.
“They then turned on me and one pushed me against the wall telling me they will do what they want.
“I told them I was the bouncer and can help them, but they then hit me with the [butt] of the [R5] firearm.
“He [the officer] then started pulling me towards the car.
“As he was pulling me, he threw me down on the road and started kicking my face.
“I tried to look up and saw a lot of them standing around me, just kicking me.”
Mielies managed to escape and run into the bar.
“I was disoriented and bleeding. I was in shock and did not know what to do.
“Before I managed to run away, they fired a shot into the road outside.
“By that stage, people were gathering around to watch the commotion.
“One of the customers tried to grab the [bullet] casing on the road as proof, but they saw him and beat him up as well.”
Patron Lazola Petse, 25, said he was outside the bar when the officers attacked him.
“They threw me onto the ground and put the gun in my face, saying they were going to beat me up,” Petse said.
“One policeman put his hands in my pocket and took my phone and car keys.
“I asked for it back and he just walked away but threw the car keys back.
“They tried to take my cousin’s phone but he fought back and then ran away.”
Thembekile Sontsonfa, 23, who was trying to video the commotion with his cellphone, said he was then attacked.
“I saw what was happening and tried to [video] tape what was happening.
“They then put the gun in my face and grabbed the phone out of my hands.
“They robbed me.” Manager Podgy Moodley, 54, said he was alerted after the incident.
“They [the police officers] got away with six cellphones that I know of,” he said.
“I told them and others who were attacked to go to the police station.
“The police at the station sent them away, wanting them to bring their cellphone boxes.
“He [Mielies] managed to open a [complaint] for being beaten.
“When the others went to the police station, these guys [NIU members] were there.
“They told them that they [the government] would just buy them new phones.
“I have patrons coming here to ask for their phones but the police at Motherwell station say they do not have them.”
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said Ipid was investigating a case of assault and pointing of a firearm.
“We encourage residents to report the alleged theft of cellphones to the police.
“I can confirm that the cellphones are not at the station.
“Only once cases for stealing of the cellphones have been opened, will these claims be investigated,” Beetge said.