23 April 2018

Independent Police Investigative Directorate

No.1 Station Road

Molopo Shopping Centre, 1st Floor

Mafikeng

2735

To whom it may concern.

The investigation into police conduct during Mahikeng protests.

I am writing to you on behalf of the Democratic Alliance in the North West, last week community members in Mahikeng were protesting for the removal of Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

As a result, resident barricaded the streets with burnt tyres, burning busses, trucks, looting local shops and businesses and destroying some government buildings in the process.

However, I am would like to bring to your attention complaints and allegations that were brought to the DA regarding the police conduct during these protests and riots.

There are allegations that during the protests police shot at children and pensioners. I also met with a family who claimed that police came into their house and shot at them while they were not actively participating in the protests.

Members of the Danville community also claimed that police discriminated against them by using derogative terms such as “Bushmen” when addressing them.

The DA, therefore, calls on your organization to conduct an investigation into the behavior and conduct by members of SAPS.

Police officers have a responsibility to serve and protect communities, they should not harass or shoot at innocent people, our province has a history of police brutality and we cannot afford to have another Marikana massacre on our hands due to police brutality.

I hope you find my request in order.

Yours faithfully,

Joe McGluwa

Democratic Alliance North West Provincial Leader

joem@da.org.za

084 213 3811