Glen Marikana boy (12) traumatised after being hit by rubber bullet

A case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm is being investigated against the police after a 12-year-old boy was injured by a stray rubber bullet during a police operation in Glen Marikana Informal Settlement on June 28.

Although previous reports alleged police had gone to the settlement to make arrests on that day, community leaders told Express it was not true.

According to one of the leaders at the settlement, Kenneth Thoka, police arrived at one of the taverns while they were playing pool and took alcohol.

“When someone asked why we were being searched and where their search warrant was, he was pepper-sprayed. They then wanted to arrest him because ‘he talks and asks a lot of questions’.

The man started running. Others followed him, which was when police started shooting. As police chased after those running, firing rubber bullets, Tebogo Matlamela (12) was hit.

A rattled Tebogo told Express he was playing with his friends on the fields. “Police were shooting and people were running. I felt something hit my left arm.”

“It was very painful and I realised I had been hit and sat down. While on the ground I saw my hand was swollen and extremely painful.”

Tebogo’s mother, Nthabiseng, was on her way from work when the incident happened. She was welcomed by women from the community, carrying her son.

“I was shocked when I saw him. I left for work in the morning and my child was fine. When I returned, I am told he was shot by the police,” said Nthabiseng.

“I put him in my car and took him to get medical attention. Although he was not admitted to hospital, and the swelling had subsided, he still had to go for further check-ups.”

She told Express she wasn’t allowed to open a case on July 1. “I was told not to open a case but to report the incident. It didn’t sit well with me and I went back on July 3, which was when they opened a case,” said Nthabiseng.

Capt Jethro Mtsali confirmed a case of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm had been opened against police.

Tebogo’s emotional scars remain. “He cries in the middle of the night and gets nightmares,” said Nthabiseng.

“When I ask him to go to the shops, he gets scared, and panics whenever he hears cars driving past at night. I am worried how he will cope in school because he has been withdrawn since the incident,” explained Nthabiseng.

“Police are supposed to protect us and our children, and not harm us.”

The Grade Five learner from Gahlanso Primary School in Tembisa was not the only one who was injured during the shooting. Another resident was hit on the back four times.

Thoka and other community leaders said they were scared of the police. “There are other taverns in Glen Marikana but the police always target this one tavern. Why?” asked Thoka.

“In a another incident on June 22, residents threw stones and bottles at the police and private security vehicles because we feel victimised. They never produce search warrants nor tell us why they are there.”

A resident’s shack was destroyed by a police vehicle on June 22 as they drove away from the commotion. Thoka said the resident was taking a bath when the incident happened.

The shack remains damaged.

“We note the allegations that have been made against the police and we view them in a serious light. We confirm all the allegations will be investigated,” added Mtshali.