Condolences warranted by police after woman’s death
ALEXANDRA - The recent death of a woman allegedly at the hands of the police has drawn comment from local leadership.
The recent death of a woman allegedly at the hands of the police has drawn comment from local leadership.
Expressing concern on the death which led to led to a march by residents, youths and women’s organisations to the Alexandra Police Station, councillor Monde Mbingeleli of Ward 116 said the incident was a dark reminder of the past which should not be repeated.
“The community’s response through the march can be justified as the incident allegedly resulted from the actions of people who they expect should protect and promote their safety and human rights,” he stressed.
The case is now under investigation by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate. Mbingeleli added that despite the investigation, it would help police to restore relations with the community if its leadership sent condolences to the family. “This won’t be an admission of guilt but a humane and compassionate act expected in a civilised society like ours which is premised on human rights.
“As it is, the community will not trust the police and it will take long for them to change as long as they perceive police as showing no concern or distancing themselves from what happened,” he concluded.
Very sad indeed. Even much dissapointing to learn that the crime was actually commited by the people who claims to be fighting crime. I felt like my heart has been pierced through by a sharp object when i read how the late Aphiwe Zweni died as a result of police beatings. I mean can someone from within the police ranks come out and tell the community of Alexandra why was such a young harmless parent killed by the people who have a duty to protect her? What danger did she pose to them? I wonder what kind of training do our police get because this clearly shows they have no proper strategy to use when investigating crimes rather than going around beating and killing innocent people. I once also endured long hours of police torture for the crime i didn’t commit, I thought i was dying, luckily i’m still alive to tell the story, unlike some like the late Aphiwe, may her spirit rest in peace.