DA calls for urgent investigation into alleged Port Nolloth SAPS shooting
21 April 2020
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is calling for a full investigation into the alleged shooting of a civilian by a police officer in Port Nolloth on Sunday, as well as for the precautionary suspension of the police officer in question.
While the circumstances surrounding the incident are not clear, it has been reported that a 22-year old man, who claimed to be fetching food supplies from a family member, was allegedly shot by a police officer. It is alleged that the man ran away after being stopped and told to go home, whereby the police officer opened fire on the man. The man is believed to be recovering in hospital while the police officer is apparently still patrolling the streets.
The DA is deeply disturbed by the report.
We understand that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have their hands full trying to enforce lockdown regulations and that not all citizens are complying, making their jobs more difficult. We agree that those who flout the regulations must be punished according to the law, however, the use of excessive force, which could claim lives, is unacceptable.