The City of Cape Town says it is in the process of suspending police officers that were involved in a scuffle with a naked man today in Khayelitsha as they attempted to evict him.
The Democratic Alliance controlled council made the a statement, part of which read:
“The City of Cape Town is in the process of suspending staff members pending further investigation and disciplinary procedures related to an incident earlier today in Khayelitsha.
The City has been made aware of video footage concerning law enforcement officials in Khayelitsha and a resident today while they were on duty in the area. We ore in the process of suspending four staff members involved In the incident pending the outcome of the investigation. The suspension also ensures that staff are not targeted while on duty. We are saddened by the conduct depicted on the video footage, and we do not condone any forceful and dehumanising conduct by our staff members,’ sold the City’s Executive Director for Safely and Security. Richard Bosman.
The City lakes these allegations very seriously, and while our stall are subjected to very challenging circumstances while carrying out anti-land invasion operations, which ore to protect land earmarked for housing opportunities and other services. we will not condone violence of any nature by law enforcement staff. I have asked for the facts to be gathered as a matter of urgency and that the investigation is concluded without delay,’ said Bosman.
The land in question belongs to the City and the City has conducted various operations to prevent illegal land occupation. After the removal of illegally built structures, new attempts are made to invade again on a daily basis.
The land is earmarked for installation of services to serve the broader community In the area. There is an Interdict in place as well as a recent court order which allows only 49 households to temporarily remain on the land until offer the lockdown. The City must also maintain this recent court order. which the community Is aware of.”
Read More: Pictures: Outrage as City of Cape Town Police forcibly evicts naked man in Empolweni
Read More: Fuel prices in South Africa increase, Here are some fuel saving tips