VENDA – A RADIO journalist from the University of Venda, Justice Masekane, said he planned to sue police minister Nkosinathi Nhleko after he was caught in the crossfire between the police and rampaging Kurhuleni residents near Elim in December.
Kurhuleni residents were protesting against the installation of new traditional leader, chief Ndavhelesi Kharidzha when the police fired rubber bullets at them.
Masekane said he was busy interviewing the protesters when the police started shooting.
“When I ran away from the front of the bus where I was conducting interview, I was shot twice in the face and also in the hands and chest. I was using a cell phone to record the views of the protesters and they (the police) smashed it.
“I was taken to the Kurhuleni clinic where I was transferred to the Elim hospital for treatment. I spent three days in hospital. I opened an attempted murder case against the police at the Levubu police station. Nobody has informed me about the progress of my case. I will not rest until justice is prevailed. I know these officials very well and I don’t understand why action has not been taken against them,” he said.
“I want to sue the minister of police. I am a law-abiding citizen, The police do as they wish and shoot at innocent people; the protesters were not even armed,” he said.
Levubu police spokesperson, Capt Livhuwani Vele said the case was being investigated and they had finished taking statements from the police officials who were controlling the scene. “The complainant will be informed how the case is progressing soon,” Vele promised.
