Police brutality condemned

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 January 2013

Zamdela residents have alleged that police have used live ammunition in trying to disperse their protests, the residents were protesting against the proposed merger of two municipalities in the Free State.

The United Democratic Movement has stated that the embattled South African Police Service is of great concern. 

UDM has highlighted the increase of police brutality in the country from the Marikana tragedy, to the farmworkers strike in the Western Cape and now police brutality in Sasolburg in the Free State.

UDM’s Secretary General Bongani Msomi said the use of excessive force by the security forces runs the risk of turning the country into police state.

Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance has called for answers from the police on the use of live ammunition to kill two protestors in Sasolburg on Tuesday. 

DA’s Free State Provincial Leader Patricia Kopane said the DA demands answers from the Free State Police Commissioner. 

Kopane said it is unacceptable for the police to use live ammunition to people.

She added that there is a need to ensure that this never happens again.