Jade Moodley
Drama unfolded in Dannhauser last Monday evening, as two men were allegedly assaulted by three police officials.
The altercation took place on Daffodil Street, where alleged victims Kabir Sharmanand and Ashok Bhugwandeen were engaged in a conversation.
Their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of a police vehicle, in the adjacent driveway belonging to Mr Sharmanand.
Curious, Mr Sharmanand ventured over to inquire as to the reason behind the visit.
Upon arrival he was met with a series of questions from one of the policemen, and, without been given the chance to respond, he was allegedly slapped.
Unfortunately his horror did not end there; he apparently also received a forceful punch to the back.
Witnessing the commotion, Mr Bhugwandeen confronted the police officials.
For this he too bore the brunt, and was also allegedly assaulted.
Mr Sharmanand believed ‘police action was linked to an earlier altercation with neighbours’.
This quarrel was a result of accusations made against Mr Sharmanand, that he ‘littered’ his neighbour’s yard.
This led to a series of text messages sent between the families, and to the visit from the police, one of which is a relative of the neighbour involved in the altercation.
In an interview with the Courier Mr Sharmanand stated that this quarrel has left him feeling intimidated and victimised.
Major BV Ntanda, Station Commander of Dannhauser Police Station, confirmed that two cases of pointing a firearm and assault common were opened against the three police officials in question.
However, he dismissed claims of police brutality and stated that this was a matter emanating between two rival families.
Major Ntanda concluded by stating that disciplinary action has been taken against the police officers involved.
