Tactical unit allegedly involved in another skirmish in Ermelo
This is the second instance where allegations have been made against members of the tactical response unit.
ERMELO – A group of residents who were picketing at the office of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport on July 21, were allegedly dispersed with rubber bullets by members of a tactical response unit (TRU).
Disgruntled officials sent a letter to the Ermelo Police Station about their plan to have a peaceful demonstration to pressure the department to reinstate one of their officials.
According to a member of Nehawu, the members were protesting about the former deputy director of human resources, who had been suspended in September 2021.
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During the protest, the Mpumalanga community safety, security and liaison’s MEC, Vusi Shongwe, along with the TRU appeared at the premises and the members questioned his presence.
A resident who wants to remain anonymous alleged that after the protest, Shongwe had threatened one of the workers while some of the members of the tactical response unit manhandled the chairperson of Nehawu’s Batho Pele branch, Vilane Mozie, who subsequently opened a case against them.
“They told her the MEC wanted to speak to her, and he told her that she was the instigator of the protest and that he would deal with her,” the resident claimed.
This is the second instance where allegations have been made against members of the tactical response unit.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is also investigating an incident where a deli supervisor at the new Roots Butchery in town was also allegedly assaulted.
The department refutes the claim by the supervisor saying they resolved the issue without taking any action.
Highvelder sent media enquries to Moeti Mmusi, the Mpumalanga spokesperson for community safety, security and liaison, and awaits response on the most recent instance.
Read the complete article in the Highvelder.
