Richards Bay police accused of murder
A BEREAVED Mandlazini family wants answers after allegedly witnessing Richards Bay Saps members fatally shoot family member Mxolisi Mtshali (23) on Sunday night.
Mxolisi's twin brother, Mthokozisi was with him at the time and alleges the shooting occurred as they arrived home, shortly after having an altercation with the police.
Mthokozisi was driving a minibus taxi home when they noticed a vehicle following them from the petrol station.
‘This vehicle was following us but we were not bothered about it. We only noticed that it was the police when we turned into our premises,’ Mthokozisi said.
‘When we parked, they were all over us, accusing us of drinking and driving.
‘When my brother confronted them about the allegations, they began beating us and using pepper spray.
‘During the commotion, I heard multiple gunshots going off and then they left. I discovered that my brother had been shot three times, in full view of our family.’
He said they rushed to Richards Bay police station for assistance, but were allegedly turned away.
‘We then went to eNseleni Saps to report the incident and they came to the scene to take statements,’ he said.
Induna Sipho Nkuna said they were saddened by the tragedy.
‘I can confirm that members of the community are not happy with the police,’ Nkuna said.
‘In several meetings, with police present, community members have raised their discomfort about poor policing and the ill-treatment they receive from police officers.
‘Nothing has changed and now they have allegedly killed an innocent boy.
‘To me, this indicates these officers need to go back for training. Having said that, I urge the community to respect the rule of law and not take matters into their own hands.’
EFF Chairperson in King Cetshwayo Region, Sibusiso Mthiyane, together with his party members, visited the grieving family on Tuesday.
‘We have met with the Richards Bay station commander who promised to institute an internal inquiry into the matter,’ said Mthiyane, adding that the firearms of the three officers involved had reportedly been sent for ballistic investigation.
‘[The station commander] said that, at this stage, he can't suspend anyone until the internal investigation has been finalised.
'The case is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).’
IPID national spokesperson Lizzy Suping failed to respond to the ZO after several attempts to obtain comment.