The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) shadow minister of police says while police should enforce the COVID-19 lockdown regulations, they should do so in a peaceful manner.
Andrew Whitfield was speaking to Radio Islam on Saturday about a video on social media which shows police walking into a prayer facility in Masibekela, Mpumalanga and arresting a group of worshippers for allegedly violating the lockdown regulations by praying in congregation.
The police officers in the video which has since gone viral have come under criticism for allegedly being overly excessive during the arrests, walking in the place of worship with their boots on and allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Under the current lockdown regulations places of worship are closed and congregational prayer suspended.
Whitfield says the conduct of the police was unnecessary, unprofessional and completely unacceptable.
“What was shocking, was to see the manner in which the South African Police Service treated these people during their prayers. Now while they shouldn’t have been gathered, that is absolutely no reason for the police to abuse, shout at, point weapons, desecrate the prayer facility and insult the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
Whitfield says he’s also written to the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele.
“I’ve written to the minister to indicate to him that I am incredibly concerned about the manner in which SAPS have conducted themselves in this instance, and many, other incidents across the country, which is why the DA actually launched an email and WhatsApp line to report police abuse.”
He says it’s important that all South Africans adhere to the regulations to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the transmission of the virus.
Whitfield says Cele must ensure the police who behaved in this manner are brought to book and disciplined.
Faizel Patel
Listen to the interview with Andrew Whitfield
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