9 May 2008
Sowetan: ICD to probe burning of boy by police claim
http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=763174
ICD to probe burning of boy by police claim
09 May 2008
Mhlaba Memela
Wounded: A 16-year-old boy who was allegedly burnt by police who claimed that he was a drug dealer shows his wounds. Photo: Mhlaba Memela
The Independent Complaints Directorate has taken up the case of the family of a 16-year-old boy who was accused of dealing in drugs and then allegedly beaten and burnt with a hot iron by the police .
It is said that members of the SAPS at Durban Central police station stormed his home after receiving a tip-off that he was selling drugs.
The police allegedly manhandled the boy in his mother’s flat and burnt him with an iron, demanding confession.
His family opened a case of assault against the officers in December – but up to now nothing has been done.
Directorate spokesman Dikeledi Phiri said they would investigate once they had compiled a statement from the family. She said the matter had come to their attention only after Sowetan had reported on it.
The victim’s mother, Phumla Ngoma, said all they wanted was for justice to take its course.
Phiri said they would send investigators to speak to the victim and “assist the family in laying a formal complaint with us”.
“We will also get the docket from the police to see how far they have gone with investigations. The allegations are very serious,” she said.
Meanwhile, SABC reporter Nhlanhla Nxele was allegedly assaulted by police while walking in Durban on Tuesday night.
Nxele had accidentally stepped on the cop’s toes and apologised. But the police allegedly dragged him into their vehicle and drove away with him.
“They took me to a certain dam and beat me up. They also ordered me to jump into the dam,” Nxele said.
Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge confirmed that Nxele had opened a case against the police.
“We will investigate the matter and take the necessary steps against the officers,” he said.