Pretoria – The three metro police officers who were involved in the “inappropriate” arrest of a blind busker have all been suspended with immediate effect.
The suspension follows media reports that the officers manhandled Lunga Goodman Nono while removing him from his regular spot at the St George’s Mall on Monday for busking outside the permitted hours.
In a statement released on Thursday, the City of Cape Town said: “After careful review, it has been concluded that the actions of these officers were inappropriate and not in keeping with this administration’s commitment to building a caring city that respects every resident’s right to dignity.
“The officers in question will be suspended for three months pending the outcome of a full investigation.
“Disciplinary hearings will follow in due course and the City will abide by the findings of the Disciplinary Committee in this regard.”
After the arrest, members of the public complained that the manner in which Nono was manhandled, and how his guitar was also allegedly broken, was a violation of dignity.
The City of Cape Town also said the case would be referred to the Civilian Oversight Committee for further investigations.
“The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate will continue in our efforts to create a city that is both safe and caring for all who live here.
“We also remain committed to taking urgent and necessary action against our employees when they have been found to have acted in a way that undermines the values of this administration.” – SAnews.gov.za
