Daveyton death embarrassing: Petros
The police were embarrassed by the dragging of taxi driver Mido Macia behind a police van, Gauteng police commissioner Mzwandile Petros said on Thursday.
The police were embarrassed by the dragging of taxi driver Mido Macia behind a police van, Gauteng police commissioner Mzwandile Petros said on Thursday.
"As people who wear the police uniform, we are embarrassed by what happened..., but we have confidence in the judicial system regarding the matter," Petros said.
Petros, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and Gauteng community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko were meeting with Daveyton residents following the death of Macia in police custody on February 26.
Earlier that day he was dragged behind a police van.
Petros said: "An abuse of power by police at any level should be reported. Abuse of power is not only brutality, but corruption as well."
Complaints and concerns raised by the Daveyton community would be followed up.
"Incidents like these should not stop with condemnation. There should be condemnation and action," Petros said.
Nine policemen accused of killing Macia were denied bail by the Benoni Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Magistrate Sam Makamu said he felt it was not in the interests of justice to grant them bail. The matter would resume on April 12.
Delivering his ruling, Makamu said Daveyton residents could try to seek revenge on the accused.
He expressed concern at the prospect of sending the men back to their homes in this "unfavourable" climate.
- Sapa