AGANG SA OUTRAGED AT RISING POLICE BRUTALITY

Johannesburg; 14 January 2014 - Along with the people of this country who thought we had seen the last of death and loss in the struggle for a better life for all South Africans, we are saddened and outraged at the tragedies in Brits and Pretoria, which so remind us of Marikana and Andries Tatana.

The brutal shooting of three people in Mothutlung, during a peaceful protest against lack of water in the area this week, and the killing of hawker Foster Revombo, point to a government that increasingly resorts to violence against its own people who in these instances, wanted only the basic necessities of that better life: water and work. .

No South African citizen should die for voicing their frustrations at government's inability to provide these necessities. .

The constitution which the government apparently seeks to change, guarantees citizens' rights to protest. We reject the statement from the local mayor's office in Brits that the protest by the community was illegal. The law requires only that local authorities be notified of the intention to march. Police and government authorities have deliberately misrepresented this requirement to ban protests.

Given our history of inhumanity, and our memories of the blood spilt by our struggle heroes, the behaviour of police in leaving Revombo's unattended bleeding body on the back of a police van for an hour where

After he passed away, should be condemned in the strongest terms possible.

Another example of ongoing police brutality was the beating to death of teenager Makhosini Kasi (17) by a Johannesburg Metro Police officer and an accomplice. They accused Kasi of stealing a two-plate stove. The officer and his friend are in court for the brutal assault on the teen and his friend.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) should be given a free hand to investigate the circumstances surrounding these and other civilian deaths and must enjoy the full cooperation of top management of the South African Police Services.

As part of the multi-party body that has since been formed by the community of Mothutlong to champion their concerns and seek justice for the victims of police killings and beatings, Agang SA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure policing is conducted appropriately in a constitutional democracy that values human rights, without excessive force, will argue for improved police leadership, better training and equipment. An Agang SA government w will ensure an end to such senseless loss of life, by creating a professional police service with zero tolerance for brutality.

Statement issued by Agang SA, January 15 2014

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