Solidarity: Jo’burg water activist dies after police assault

Coalition Against Water Privatisation
Press Statement -1st May 2008

Last seen alive being arrested by Sebokeng police, the death of cde
Mathafeni is their responsibility

Mathafeni’s lifeless body was found this morning in some bushes in
Sebokeng Zone 20. He was a community activist involved with the Sebokeng
Ward 2 Concerned Residents that on Tuesday blockaded the Golden Highway
to demand that the government respond to their memorandum, which was
submitted on the 10th of March. Police arrested Mathefeni on Tuesday and
beat him so badly with batons that he had to see a doctor on his release
on Wednesday morning. He was re-arrested later in the evening – and last
seen alive in the hands of the arresting officers.

Until an investigation proves otherwise, we, the members of the
Coalition Against Water Privatisation, accuse the police of being
responsible for Mathafeni’s death. It is enough to know that Mathafeni
was so badly beaten during his first detention that he required stitches
– his re-arrest could only have been intended to continue meting out the
punishment. The police have shown no compunction in resorting to live
ammunition when dealing with Tuesday’s protest. Death in detention is
just another step up from the violence the police in Sebokeng have
already shown themselves capable of.

Justice for comrade Mathafeni! Investigate the police for the death of
cde Mathafeni!

For more information, contact the Coalition Against Water Privatisation
organizer, Patra Sindane @ 073 052 7005.