IPID probes shooting at Wits

Friday, October 21, 2016

Pretoria - The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the alleged shooting of a student leader at Wits University.

On Thursday, police reportedly fired rubber bullets at student leader Shaeera Kalla and other students at close range at the university's Braamfontein campus.

Reports indicate that Kalla was shot multiple times in the back with rubber bullets during a Fees Must Fall protest.

SA Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Sally de Beer said Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane has directed that the facts be established, including the circumstances which led to the incident and the extent of the injuries sustained.

“Any police officer found to have contravened the law will be dealt with accordingly,” De Beer said.

She called on police to exercise maximum restraint and to act within the confines of the law.

“Our approach and management of the situation around campuses must be characterised by discipline and the proportional use of force.”

SAPS has also noted with concern that unruly elements continue to disrupt classes and examinations, destroy university infrastructure and conduct themselves in a manner that provokes the police.

The police have reiterated the call on all concerned to act lawfully and to allow those who so choose to complete the academic year. - SAnews.gov.za