allAfrica.com: South Africa: IFP Condemns Brutal Police Killing of Teenage Boy

South Africa: IFP Condemns Brutal Police Killing of Teenage Boy
16 FEBRUARY 2012
PRESS RELEASE

The IFP has condemned the brutal killing of 16-year old Thato Mokoka from Dobsonville in Gauteng, saying that heads must roll for the shocking incident.

"It is clear that this was not an incident where police were simply trying to investigate a complaint and trying to secure evidence. It is clear that the police used excessive force and that an innocent, unarmed boy was brutally murdered at the hands of the very people who are entrusted with the safety of ordinary South Africans," said Velaphi Ndlovu MP, the IFP's spokesperson on Police.

Ndlovu said he would raise the matter in the upcoming Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Police, and added hat the police officers involved in the incident should be suspended while the investigation is pending.

"We saw excessive security measures at the recent Opening of Parliament, and now another incident of police brutality. All these incidents bear the hallmarks of South Africa sliding into a police state. I am also concerned with reports that the person responsible for the shooting is allegedly a student police officer and that he has not yet been arrested. I will raise these matters at Parliament and ask for the SAPS's top officials to be held responsible for this incident," said Ndlovu.

The IFP offered condolences to the family.

"We wish to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Thato Mokoka. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers," concluded Ndlovu.