Durban squatters accuse police of assault

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February 27 2006 at 05:40PM

Four members of the Shack Dwellers Movement, also known as also known as Abahlali Base Mjondolo, arrested at the beginning of a march on the Durban City Hall on Monday, will lay assault charges against the police.

Mdu Hlongwa, 26, said he and three others were beaten with a mop handle and kicked while forced to the floor by police in a cell at Sydenham police station after being arrested on Monday morning.

“Later they took us to a fence and pushed us really hard against it,” he said.

“Earlier when we asked where we could go to the toilet they had told us ‘piss where you are’.”

The four were picked up before the Durban High Court had ruled that their march to demand housing would be legal.

Hlongwa said he had been waiting for his transport to the march when he was arrested.

His companions were Ludumo Mgibi, 33, Philani Ntazi, 20, and Luvuyo Mkhize, 23.

The four were released on Monday afternoon in time to reach the march at the City Hall. – Sapa