Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi, MPL sound bites in English and isiZulu
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) strongly condemns the alleged assault of school learners by traffic officers while they were travelling to school yesterday morning – as seen in a disturbing video in the DA’s possession and corroborated by a formal report from Howick High School.
In the video, learners can be heard pleading with the officer to stop hitting a child. This conduct is unacceptable, unlawful, and represents a gross abuse of authority. No peace officer has the right to use violence against children under any circumstances. Routes to school must be safe spaces for learners, not environments of fear and intimidation.
According to the school principal’s written account, the learners arrived at school visibly distressed following the incident, which allegedly involved physical assault during a routine traffic stop. These allegations raise serious concerns around the fitness of the officers involved to serve in positions of authority over the public, particularly over children.
The DA therefore calls for;
– The immediate suspension of the officer(s) involved
– The revocation of their peace officer status pending the outcome of an investigation
– The immediate removal of any issued firearm and;
– The submission of a full disciplinary report within seven (7) days in line with municipal disciplinary procedures.
We further call for an urgent and independent investigation by the relevant municipal authority, along with criminal accountability through SAPS should assault charges be confirmed. The DA will engage with the school principal to support parents in ensuring case numbers are obtained and properly pursued.
Those entrusted with enforcing the law must be held to the highest legal and ethical standards. The DA will closely monitor this matter and ensure accountability follows.