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Latest Media releases |
28 November 2001 The Independent Complaints Directorate wishes to inform that it is investigating circumstances surrounding the assault of Mr Benjamin Pootona and Mr Solly Moyoga on 25 November 2001. The incident occurred in Seshego in the Northern Province on Sunday, 25 November 2001 where it is alleged that police officers stationed at Pietersburg police station arrested both Mr Pootona and Mr Moyoga after suspecting them of being involved in the theft of a car. They were handed over to five police officers, 4 whites and 1 black and they were taken to Seshego near a dam for questioning by the said officers. The victims were severely assaulted after they denied any involvement in the said car theft, by the said police officers. It is alleged that Mr Pootona was dumped at the Pietersburg Hospital while the other victim, Mr Moyoga was dumped about 100km away from Pietersburg in the bushes of Dendron by the suspect officers, after the brutal assault. It is alleged that Mr Moyoga managed to crawl to the road where he was assisted by a passerby. Our preliminary investigation revealed that Mr Pootona was seriously injured-his hands and legs were broken, his head badly wounded and he passed urine black in colour. These symptoms prompted the ICD to call upon an independent pathologist, Dr Reggie Perumal, an expert in the pathology of police brutality and torture to examine Mr Pootona. Dr Perumal will also examine Mr Moyoga since he also suffered severe injuries. The ICD took over the case docket immediately after it was reported on 26 November 2001 and after finalisation of our investigation, will be forwarding same to the DPP for a decision on prosecution. The Executive Director of the Independent Complaints Directorate, Adv Karen McKenzie said: "These allegations constitute severe brutality and torture- a gross violation of the most basic human rights of an individual. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the truth and justice prevails in this matter. The time has come for torture in the SAPS to be addressed seriously". Issued by Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) Steve Mabona |
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