In total the police watchdog is currently probing 828 cases related to alleged police misconduct. Nearly half of these cases, reported between March 26 and May 5, are related to Covid-19 operations alone. The overall number of cases reported in the Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo during lockdown are 52, 41, and 38 respectively. The number of cases pertaining to Covid-19 operations alone in the same provinces, is far less, at 26, 16 and 10.

OFM News earlier reported that the Western Cape has the most number of overall cases and Covid-19 related cases at 177 and 82. The Western Cape happens to be the epicentre of the Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa, with over 6 100 active cases to date. The vast majority of the cases are probing assault allegations at the hands of police officials, with the discharge of a firearm being the second most reported offense.

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: Kenya and Nigeria. Last Friday the North Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of Collins 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 and called for an end to police brutality during this period.

OFM News