Thin blue line leaves few survivors as Ipid probes 149 deaths
77 cases involving task teams questioned as police accounts claim exchange of gunfire, but investigations uncover evidence not supporting versions.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has gained a reputation for his aggressive stance against crime, targeting politicians and corrupt officers alike. However, a troubling trend has emerged in the 149 deaths resulting from police action, as investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) between April and May of this year.
Ipid examined over 300 cases of extrajudicial killings, with 77 of those deaths linked to three KZN task teams. Len Barnabas John, Ipid's deputy director for investigations in KZN, expressed concern that some victims may have been innocent and unlawfully targeted. Police often reported suspects had exchanged gunfire with officers, but Ipid investigations revealed instances where firearms were scarce, raising doubts about the authenticity of these claims.
The rising boldness of criminal gangs, perhaps emboldened by the lack of consequences, is a growing problem. They do not warn authorities before engaging in violence. While Mkhwanazi's approach to combating crime may seem justified, it is crucial to ensure that the protection of human rights is not compromised in the process.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
