Everson Luhanga
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that four police officers have been arrested in connection with the murder of Mthokozisi Ntumba, 35, who was killed during the Wits University student protest last week Wednesday.
In a media statement released by the IPID, national spokeswoman Ndileka Cola confirmed that the four police officers are from the Public Order Policing Unit.
“The officers will appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. They are facing charges of murder, three charges of attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice,” read the statement.
Scrolla.Africa spoke to family spokesperson Sthembiso Jwara, who said the family welcomes the arrest.
“Arresting them is just one step. We would love to see a speedy trial and see a conviction of the men who killed my cousin,” he said.
Sthembiso said it is difficult, as the family have to deal with many procedural issues while they are still in mourning.
“Mthokozisi’s wife is not coping at all. She is distraught about her husband’s untimely passing,” he said.
Sthembiso confirmed that Mthokozisi will be buried on Saturday in Bergville, a small town in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We hope that by Saturday we will have the postmortem results so that we can take his body to its final resting place at home.”
Mthokozisi was shot and killed, allegedly by police, during the Wits students protests in central Joburg. Students are demanding that the university allow students with historic debt to register.
The father of four had come out of the local clinic when the officers driving an inyala jumped out of their vehicle and shot at him.
Tebogo Sedibe, the doctor who tried to resuscitate Mthokozisi, said the man had three bullet wounds and a big hole in his chest.
