Policemen locked up in spaza shop
"The attack has left members of the family traumatised. Some kids witnessed the attack and are still scared, even today. When they see a police van passing on the streets, they cry. We thought the SAPS officers have to protect us, not attack us. They must respect human dignity, uphold and protect human rights," said the family.
BURGERSFORT – Among SAPS’s core duties is to protect and secure the inhabitants of the republic and their properties. In this bizarre situation, the men in blue are accused of robbing a foreign-owned spaza shop.
The Matuludi family in Mooihoek alleged that two uniformed officers driving a SAPS vehicle entered their spaza shop on Sunday at about 15:00. The branded Toyota SAPS bakkie had the registration of BVZ 541 B.
“They searched for illicit cigarettes and when they did not find any, they asked for R100. The owner refused and the officers pointed at him with a gun, they hit him with it and he fainted.
“They then took R800 in cash, airtime vouchers and several packets of cigarettes,” alleged one eyewitness.
Realising the police officers were not maintaining order as their duties decreed, but robbing the store instead, the locals said they immediately locked the buglar gates of the shop with the two male officers still inside.
“We wanted to know why they beat the store owner and why they were taking some of his stock. They reacted by shooting us with rubber bullets and they also called for extra officers from Driekop’s satellite SAPS, and the Public Order Police,” said one resident, a relative of the Matuludi family.
The Mooihoek residents alleged that the officers had also robbed another spaza shop at Sehlaku Village before the Matuludi’s shop.
The Matuludi family said the SAPS not only used rubber bullets when they shot at them, but also used live ammunition.
“Four of the locals sustained wounds; they were rushed to Dilokong Hospital for treatment,” said another family member.
“The attack has left members of the family traumatised. Some kids witnessed the attack and are still scared, even today. When they see a police van passing on the streets, they cry. We thought the SAPS officers have to protect us, not attack us. They must respect human dignity, uphold and protect human rights,” said the family.
The residents said the officers have to account. “We demand justice in this matter. We were attacked and robbed in our own yard at our own shop. We will engage our lawyers to ensure justice prevail.”
Those who were shot at told Steelburger/Lydenburg News they had opened cases at the Mecklenburg SAPS.
“Cases were opened, but we were promised they will involve the services of the Ipid to deal with the matter. We are still waiting.”
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson, Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo also confirmed the case was transferred to the Ipid division.
