No closure for victim of apparent police patrol vehicle ramming

Though it has been months, the police have yet to report on a violent incident in which a runaway suspect was pinned agianst a wall by a police patrol vehicle.
It was quite a public spectacle last August when Sfiso Mahlalela (24) was chased by Tonga SAPS officials and was pinned to a wall by a police van in full view of a sizeable crowd.
At the time the incident enjoyed extensive coverage. It was captured on a cellphone camera by members of the public, and the footage immediately went viral. It was also published in Corridor Gazette.

ALSO READ:brave-neighbour-rescues-children-burning-house

It happened in the busy parking area of the Nkomazi Plaza during the morning rush. Mahlalela apparently caught the eye of members of the police patrolling the area, drinking what looked like beer in public.
He told the newspaper that the bottle had not been opened yet. He tried to make the patrolling officers aware of it, but said they kept on shouting at him and harassing him.

“I showed them that the bottle was not open several times. I was shouted at and harassed at gunpoint. That’s when I started to run, because I was late to meet my friend for work. I bought a few beers the previous day. I left it for my friend to drink after work the following day.”
Mahlalela was taken to hospital and apparently has since not fully recovered from his leg injuries.
“I was treated like a dog, and when we got to the hospital they never mentioned that they were the ones who crushed my leg. I was never given the J88 forms and X-ray copies after seeing the doctor,” said Mahlalela.
The police had promised that they would investigate and report back soon.

Brig Leonard Hlathi, provincial spokesperson for the police, said at the time the matter was under investigation. “We have opened a recklessness and negligence case against the police officer, that will be investigated. We have also taken a statement from Mahlalela who was allegedly hit by the police car.
“This will form part of the entire investigation and we will continue taking statements from those who are deemed fit witnesses in this matter. All aspects of the incident will be taken into consideration
and all statements combined will be put
in one docket and presented to the
Public Prosecutor.”
After a recent media enquiry, Tonga SAPS spokesperson, Capt Magonseni Nkosi, said this investigation is still under way.

Meanwhile, Mahlalela said he feels the state is letting him down after the incident.
“The vehicle hitting me broke my leg. I can’t work anymore. I am self-employed; how will I do my work now? I have been waiting for their call since November. I have no court date and every time I go there I’m told that they will call or send a message to give me an update. I’m tired of waiting, I want an outcome as soon as possible.
All I want is justice, I am tired of lies,”
said Mahlalela.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi told Corridor Gazette that if Mahlalela needed help with his case, and if he thinks there is something inappropriate going on, he must come to the station and ask for the detective handling his case. He will get the update on what is
going on.”