By Kaya 959 Reporter
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has defended the police officer who shot a man during a confrontation at a Muldersdrift lodge on Saturday.
Spokesperson Richard Mamabolo says they find it “regrettable” that officers are subjected to abusive behaviour while carrying out their duties.
He says the video demonstrates the “high level of disdain for the constitutionally-mandated tasks that these officers carry out with commitment”.
The man in the clip has been identified as Len Cloete. He sustained a gunshot wound following a dispute with police.
It is alleged that Cloete got into an altercation with staff and management at the Misty Hills Lodge after they noticed that he was carrying a firearm.
It is further alleged that Cloete left and returned a short while later without the gun. The lodge then allocated him a room.
Officers were called to the scene following reports of a fight at the lodge.
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Cloete disarmed female officer
According to Ipid spokesperson, Grace Langa, lodge management asked the man to leave and he refused.
After a back and forth with police, Cloete is seen on video disarming a female police officer. Seconds later, another policeman fires a shot, hitting Cloete in the head.
He was rushed to the hospital and is said to be in a stable condition but remains in a coma.
Mamabolo says the officers found their lives were in danger and acted accordingly, which must be deemed as justifiable.
“As a union, we stand firmly against any form of brutality, be it against civilians or law enforcement agencies. We urge community members to cooperate with law enforcement officers as and when they carry out their duties, and strive to build common working relations that ensure we collectively address the challenges around violent crimes that have marred our communities,” Mamabolo says.
