No accountability for Tatane's death

The DA is disappointed with the acquittal today of seven police officers accused of Andries Tatane's death. Although we do not question the judgment, we must question who will be held accountable for Tatane's death. It would seem that the only possible remedy may be yet another civil claim against the Police Minister.

The seven police officers were acquitted today as the state could not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. According to reports, the police officers responsible for his death could not be clearly identified by witnesses for the state, or video footage.

Unfortunately this sends the message that the police can act with impunity.

The DA will ask the NPA when they next appear before the Justice Portfolio Committee to explain the difficulties they encountered in prosecuting this case with a view to avoiding such a result in the future.

Statement issued by Debbie Schafer MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, March 30 2013

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