Rubber bullet claims man’s eye
On July 5, 2015, 25-year-old Geba's dream was decimated after he was allegedly accosted by those he trusted to 'serve and protect' him.
GEBA Maxwell Zulu once dreamed of becoming a police officer.
On July 5, 2015, 25-year-old Geba’s dream was decimated after he was allegedly accosted by those he trusted to ‘serve and protect’ him.
According to Geba, a meeting had been called in Mondlo to address the issue of a new transformer.
Residents had been left without electricity after the transformer blew, powerless for nearly two weeks and without answers.
The community was angry and chaos erupted between police and protesters after police refused to release a group of high school pupils who had been detained for blocking off the roads around Mondlo.
According to the shattered young man, who is visibly shaken when recalling the events of that fateful day, he had recorded a video clip of the scuffle on his cellphone.
Unfortunately, he was spotted by Ulundi SAPS officers who then demanded his cellphone. Geba explained that he could not give them the phone as he was awaiting an important call regarding a job he had applied for and offered to delete the video instead.
This seemed to appease the officers and Geba claims that he continued on his way, as he no longer felt safe in the area.
While he was leaving the area, Geba alleges that an old man on the side of the road had called him to ask why the police had questioned him.
He stopped to explain and was startled when a police vehicle pulled up alongside him and a female officer opened fire on him with rubber bullets at close range.
In a traumatic turn of events, Geba was struck in the face, and then in the left scapula, as he turned to protect his face from the rubber bullets.
Video footage reveals that the young man was left face down in the grass, blood gushing from his face, as the police vehicle left.
Bystanders rushed to his aid and he was taken to hospital by a local taxi owner, where he spent 23 days and subsequently lost his eye following the devastating incident.
After being discharged from hospital, Geba states that he proceeded to open a case at Vryheid Police Station, but is still no closer to justice.
At the time of going to press, Provincial Spokesperson for the SAPS, Thulani Zwane, requested that the details be forwarded to him and said that an investigation would be conducted into the matter.
“I wasn’t even doing anything wrong,” maintains Geba, emotion rife in his voice.
“I don’t want to be a police officer anymore,” he states sadly. “All I want is justice and a chance to study.”If you have any interesting stories please send them to: estella@caxton.co.za or Contact us on ;0349813930
Also Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, and on WhatsApp 060 986 0731.
