DA launches WhatsApp hotline to report law enforcement brutality

The DA has launched two dedicated platforms that the public can use to report violations by law enforcement officers such as assault, abuse or bribery during the current lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19.

This is after numerous videos of assaults, allegedly by law enforcement officers, during the first days of the lockdown were shared on social media.

DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said the WhatsApp line and e-mail account will be used to advise citizens on their rights, and also to raise and lodge their complaints with the relevant authorities and oversight bodies.

“The nation is only six days into this lockdown and we have already seen increased violence at the hands of those who were tasked with protecting and serving us.

“On Tuesday, reports indicated that the police shot two nurses at the Bongani Regional Hospital in Welkom, and on Monday, an Ekurhuleni metro cop was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a Vosloorus man while enforcing the lockdown,” said Steenhuisen.

According to Steenhuisen, the WhatsApp number and e-mail address will be monitored by a task team of DA MPs who form part of the security and justice clusters in parliament.

“There are numerous videos on social media showing police and army officers increasingly brutalising and humiliating members of the public. Some South Africans were threatened and assaulted in their own backyards and while standing in line to buy the essentials,” he said.

Steenhuisen said the alleged law enforcement brutality was a “gross abuse of the power” entrusted to the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The opposition leader also said there was “an urgent need” for oversight and monitoring of SANDF’s deployment in the country, as well as the police’s conduct.

“The role of the military is to ensure that lockdown measures are enforced while remembering that South Africans do have rights, even in these unprecedented times. These rights have been hard-fought for and must not be so flagrantly disregarded and disrespected by those few in uniforms that misunderstood their mandate,” he said.

Steenhuisen said it was important for citizens to adhere to the lockdown regulations, adding that the party agreed that those who do not comply should face the consequences of their actions within the law.

“However, we strongly condemn the brazen acts of violence, humiliation, and degradation committed against our citizens.”

For advice and to report incidents of abuse, the public can WhatsApp the DA on 067 977 9324 or e-mail reportpoliceabuse@da.org.za.

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