Police accused of assaulting innocent man

By Doreen Mokgolo

Weak, bruised and barely able to sit without help, a 35-year-old resident of Soshanguve, Tshwane is glad to be alive.

Musawakhe Kau was allegedly assaulted by police officers from Rietgat Police Station on Thursday morning who demanded that he hand over guns and ammunition in his possession.

This is after a suspect in police custody pointed out various residents including Musawakhe, claiming they were hiding guns and ammunition for him.

Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, Musawakhe said he was sleeping in his home when he was woken by a loud knock at his door. When he opened the door he said the officers started assaulting him, demanding that he hand over the guns and ammunition.

The suspect — whom he knew, as they are from the same township — had accompanied the cops.

“I didn’t understand what they were demanding and how I was linked to these guns but they didn’t want to hear reason and continued assaulting me and shouting orders,” Musawakhe said.

“They found a boot in my room and used it to assault me, targeting my back and buttocks. They only stopped when the suspect told them that the gun belonged to his father. They called his father who told the police that the suspect was lying and was a criminal.” 

The suspect then changed his statement, Musawakhe said, and told the cops that the gun was with one of his friends who lives in Mamelodi. 

The police then left — but the house was in shambles. During the search, the officers had vandalised the house and broken doors, the wardrobe and other furniture.

Musawakhe said the police left him weak and in terrible pain without calling an ambulance and didn’t bother to apologise.

“I want them to be held accountable for what they put me through,” he said. 

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed that they are investigating the case.

“The police docket was reported on Saturday and was collected by the Ipid investigator from the Rietgat SAPS Detective Unit on Monday. We are waiting for the Case Intake Committee for collection,” he said.

Pictured above: Musawakhe Kau.

Image above: Supplied 

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