We now have six suspected extradjudicial killings by police, mostly of citizens demanding constitutional rights, in the last two weeks. These include Osisa Rahube (allegedly killed for participating in a protest demanding water) , Bra Mike (photographer, alleged shot at point blank range for taking pictures of Osisa being shot). Lerato Seemeng in Mothothung (teenager allegedly arrested and severely beaten by police according to eyewitness accounts, police claim he tried to escape from a police vehicle). Clinton Hoorn from Eldoradopark (parents claim he was severely beaten, police claim he hung himself in a holding cell with 16 other people). Foster Jan Rivombo a street trader had his goods confiscated by the police, eyewitnesses claim he protested the confiscation and was summarily shot at point black range. Art. 1 of the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials says that Law enforcement officials shall at all times fulfil the duty imposed upon them by law, by serving the community and by protecting all persons against illegal acts, consistent with the high degree of responsibility required by the profession. Article 2 goes on to say that, in the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect human dignity and uphold the human rights of all persons. In order to be able to implement human rights principles, and manage persons in custody in an effective and humane manner, it is essential that staff members receive appropriate training. Clearly since Marikana this code of conduct seems no longer applies. It would seem that the constitutional right to a fair trail, the abolition of the death penalty and the notion that a person is innocent until proven guilty have all been suspended by Police Minister Nathi Mthetwa. The study below done in 1999 already warned of the alarming disregard of both the constitution and South Africas laws by the South African Police. Seems like the police are still managing an Apartheid State csvr.org.za/index.php/publications/1448-a-lonely-way-to-die-an-examination-of-deaths-in-police-custody.html
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 06:11:10 +0000
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