EFF statement on the alleged attack and injury of a trainee constable at the Tshwane Police Training Academy

30 March 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is appalled by the very disturbing incident brought to our attention this evening where a Trainee Police Constable was seriously injured. It is alleged that, yesterday at around 20h00, instructors at the Tshwane Police Training Academy raided trainees residences claiming to be looking for alcohol.

In the process, an instructor pushed a trainee over the balcony, resulting in him falling from the 2nd Floor of the building, suffering severe head injuries and a broken arm. This instructor thereafter fled the scene. The injured victim is Constable Ntinga from Durban POP.

It is further alleged that when the other trainees approached the scene to establish the condition of the victim, the instructors forcefully chased them away, detonating stun grenades to disperse them.

The EFF calls on the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner General Masemola to urgently investigate and furnish us with a report on this disturbing incident.

We also call for an urgent action against the perpetrator of this brutal act.

Parallel to internal disciplinary processes, we demand that he be charged criminally for attempted murder.

Wishing Constable Ntinga a speedy recovery, hoping that the injuries he suffered are not permanent and career-limiting as the citizens are desperately in need of his services.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 30 March 2023