ALI MPHAKI
FOUR years after the infamous “after tears” shooting in Orlando – in which police allegedly shot at 16 people, injuring all of them – the matter has yet to reach the courts.
“After tears” refers to a get-together after a funeral at which drinks are served.
The incident happened on May 31, 2008 after the burial of Toki Manxebeni. Police allegedly fired at the mourners, who had apparently refused to heed an order to disperse.
Victims approached the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD). Four years later, the matter has not been resolved. They said they suspected a cover-up and had lost faith in the ICD.
Enoch Ndlovu, organiser of the Orlando Residents’ Association (ORA), said victims had hoped the matter would be speedily resolved, but after so many years, some had resigned themselves to the possibility that the cops who shot them will never be brought to court.
Ndlovu said the delay in the prosecution of the suspected cops had the potential to damage his reputation.
He believed some people suspected he might be in cahoots with the police and had begun not to trust him.
“Each time I enquire about the case from the ICD I am told lies. I no longer know what to report back because nothing seems to be happening.
“Bringing further grief to the victims is that the suspected cops are still on duty,” said Ndlovu.
ICD spokesman Moses Dlamini confirmed they had been dealing with Ndlovu as the representative of the victims, and that he has assisted in identifying the witnesses.
“The docket was sent to the senior public prosecutor (SPP) and it came back with queries. The instructions of the SPP were attended to and the docket was sent again to the SPP for a decision.”
Dlamini’s response was met with anger by Ndlovu, who insisted it was not the first time he’d been told that story.
Lawrence Mnyanda, the public relations officer of the Orlando East street patrollers, said the people of Orlando were disappointed that the police, who were supposed to be their protectors and partners in the fight against crime, were actually the ones harassing the community.
Also shattered is the family of Buti Pholoana, who died in June after being in a coma for three weeks. He was allegedly pushed by a policeman and fell, hitting the back of his head.
His daughter Sophie Pholoana said the family had opened a case of culpable homicide at the Orlando police station and reported the matter to the ICD, but nothing had come of it.
Dlamini denied the ICD was dragging its feet
“The investigation revealed that during the day of the incident, the deceased was under the influence of alcohol. He died of blunt-force head injuries.
“It is not clear who is responsible for the death as the investigation is still continuing.”