IPID’s statistics indicate that almost half of these cases reported between 26 March and 5 May, are related to COVID-19 operations. The vast majority of these COVID-19 operations-related cases which are currently under investigation are in the Western Cape, at 82 cases. The Western Cape happens to be the epicentre of the Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa with over 6100 active cases to date. 

The second highest number of police misconduct cases related to COVID-19 operations under investigation in the country, come from the Free State.

IPID is looking into 60 cases in the Free State, with Gauteng closely behind with 59. In all instances the majority of the cases are probing assault allegations at the hands of police officials. 

These statistics do not include the recent assault on former SABC journalist Paul Nthoba allegedly by six Ficksburg police officers last week Friday. Nthoba says he was gathering COVID-19 related news for the community newspaper he had recently launched. He said it is then that he was punched, kicked and insulted by police officers who were not happy with him taking their picture. IPID spokesperson, Sontaga Seisa, confirms they are investigating the incident. 

The United Nations (UN) recently listed South Africa amongst 15 countries using excessive policing to enforce lockdown regulations. The other top two countries alleged to be using heavy handed policing are also in sub-Saharan Africa, namely: Kenya and Nigeria. This past Friday the North Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of Collin Khosa’s family regarding his death, and called for the end to police brutality during lockdown. Khosa died of his injuries after he was allegedly beaten by military personnel and members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) on April 10.

The court declared South Africans are entitled to a number of human rights even during an emergency, adding the government is compelled to protect its citizens. 

OFM News