Note to Editors: Please note Marlaine Nair, MPL sound bite in English
The DA has escalated a disturbing report of SAPS brutality at a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) school to the province’s Community Safety and Liaison Portfolio Committee for full investigation.
The incident, which came to light last week, involves allegations of severe brutality against a matric learner at Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence in Ndumo – in uMkhanyakude District north of the province.
According to an affidavit by the boys’ mother, he was assaulted by his school principal and three SAPS officers, one of whom was reportedly intoxicated. The affidavit further claims that the SAPS officers and the principal woke several learners at 2am, forced them to do push-ups and then subjected them to a brutal assault. The officers allegedly used open hands, booted feet and a firearm to physically assault the learners.
A male police officer then allegedly took the one learner outside for further beatings before forcing him to admit to misconduct. The same learner was then reportedly beaten with a firearm in the presence of the school principal, the other two officers, and school staff. Witnesses confirm that the two female officers also participated in the assault, kicking the learners until they admitted to wrongdoing.
The DA in KZN has also reported the matter to DA National Police Committee Chairperson, Ian Cameron, with the request that a full Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation take place.
This – and other instances of alleged police brutality within our schools are deeply disturbing. The use of excessive force by law enforcement officers within schools is a violation of learners’ and represents a severe breakdown in their duty to protect and serve.
It is particularly troubling that these incidents disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and contribute to a culture of fear and distrust. No learner should have to endure violence or intimidation in a place that is supposed to foster growth and education.
The DA calls for:
– Immediate accountability: All cases of SAPS brutality against learners must be thoroughly investigated and officers found to have used excessive force must face appropriate consequences;
– De-escalation training: Law enforcement officers must undergo specialised training on non-violent interventions and conflict resolution to ensure they handle situations with learners in a manner that respects their dignity and rights;
– Reform of policing practices in schools: This includes the re-evaluation of SAPS presence within schools, ensuring that their role is limited to protecting learners and staff rather than criminalising youthful behaviour and;
– Prioritising learner well-being: Schools should be environments where learners feel safe and secure. The DA advocates for improved support systems within schools to address issues without the need for law enforcement involvement.
Our schools must be a place of learning and personal growth, free from violence and fear. The DA remains committed to ensuring that all learners can access education in a safe, nurturing environment, where their rights and well-being are always prioritised.