TONGA – Chaos broke out in the area when residents of KaMdlala blocked the road from KaMhlushwa with rocks and other debris on September 7.
According to the Tonga SAPS spokesperson, Capt Mzwandile Nyambi, community members were reportedly demanding a clinic be opened in their settlement, and threw rocks at vehicles passing by. They were apparently addressed by authorities but refused to disperse.
Police had to take action and 11 suspects were arrested.
The DA sent out a press release later that afternoon stating that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) must investigate police officers who allegedly brutally assaulted the protesters.
“The IPID must act against negligent police management. These acts of brutality by policemen are largely due to poor training, disrespect for law and order, criminal members within the police ranks and the blatant disregard for internal disciplinary procedures,” it read.
On enquiry, Nyambi stated that he was unaware of these allegations.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 36, appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on September 15 on charges of public violence.
