Duduza family cries foul after son’s alleged police beating
A Duduza family is demanding justice after their 21-year old son was allegedly assaulted and wrongfully arrested by police officers who accused him of carrying drugs.
The Mtembu family from Duduza is demanding justice for their son, Junior Mtembu (21), who was allegedly assaulted and wrongfully arrested by police officers on October 6 after being falsely accused of possessing drugs.
According to Junior, he was playing soccer near a local tuck shop when the incident occurred.
“The police came, and when they saw us, they asked why we were standing there and began searching one of my friends.
“They found a rolled joint in his pocket. I told them that we have rights. One of the police officers got angry, started to hit me and forced me into the back of the van,” he alleged.
Junior claims he was then taken to the water tank in Masechaba, where the officers allegedly continued to beat him with their fists and kicked him repeatedly before taking him to the police station.
“They said they found me with drugs and opened a case. I had to spend a night in the Tsakane holding cells. The next day, we went to Nigel Court, but I never appeared before the magistrate. Later, they released me,” he added.
Junior said the incident has left him traumatised.
“This has been a painful experience. I panic every time I see a police van because it reminds me of what happened. I have never been arrested before, and that night in the holding cell was unbearable,” he said.
One of Junior’s friends, Siyabonga Mofokeng, confirmed witnessing the assault.
“I saw everything. They assaulted Junior because he spoke up. We don’t know what they are talking about because we don’t even do drugs,” he said.
Junior’s mother, Thabille Mtembu (48), said the family is still in shock and wants those responsible to be held accountable.
“I was home when they told me that my son had been taken by the police. I was shocked because he is not a troublesome child.
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“When I went to the police station, they claimed that he was found with drugs, but refused to show me any proof. We demand justice, and those who assaulted him must be arrested,” she said.
Junior’s father, Sibusiso Malaza (53), said they tried to open a case at Duduza but were allegedly denied assistance.
“After Junior was released on Tuesday, we tried to open a case, but they refused to help us. When I demanded answers, they attacked me with pepper spray. We had to go to Nigel Police Station to get assistance.
“We want the station commander to intervene and ensure that the officers responsible face the consequences,” he said.
Acting station commander of Duduza SAPS, Captain Pogiso Khambula, said the matter would be handled by an external structure to ensure fairness.
“The case will be referred to the inspectorate. When a case is with the inspectorate, it comes as an instruction. The matter will not be investigated by Duduza Police Station; it will be handled by another station for impartiality.
“If we investigate it ourselves, it could appear as though we are protecting our own members,” said Khambula.
