Rodgers Sehuloana, a resident of the Ramaphosa informal settlement, says he has been seeking justice for nearly five years after police allegedly shot him during community unrest on July 23, 2020.

According to him, there was a strike taking place in the area that afternoon as he walked home from work with a friend.

“I had nothing to do with the strike. We saw the police nyala as we walked,” said Sehuloana, adding that shots were being fired from the vehicle as officers attempted to deal with the unrest.

“Everything happened very quickly then. I suddenly heard a sharp sound and something struck the left side of my face. I quickly realised I had been injured.

“I saw blood. I was in shock. My friend kept shouting ‘blood, blood, blood’.”

Also Read: Reiger Park on edge after five murders since January

Sehuloana said he then collapsed and was unable to move. His friend tried to identify the police vehicle involved but was unable to clearly see the registration number during the chaos.

“Emergency services were later called to the scene and I was rushed to hospital where I received treatment for my injuries.

“The experience was traumatic and had a lasting impact on my life, physically and emotionally.”

He believes what happened to him could have been avoided.

Since the incident, Sehuloana says he has repeatedly approached the police in an attempt to obtain information about the vehicle involved and to pursue justice.

However, he claims he has struggled to get clear answers.

“I demand justice. I have been going to the police about this matter and they have been taking me from pillar to post.

“They should know which vehicle was used on that day so that I can get the registration number and follow the proper processes to get justice.”

He added that the incident continues to affect his confidence and self-image.

“Sometimes I cannot even look at myself in the mirror. I do not like how I look now.”

Reiger Park SAPS confirmed that a case was opened following the incident. However, police said the case docket has since been marked as undetected due to insufficient evidence.

Police added that the complainant was unable to identify the vehicle or the officer responsible, noting that several law enforcement units were deployed in the area during the unrest.

Also Read: Police arrest suspects in Reiger Park during Operation Shanela 2