2 November 2009

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Gauteng is extremely shocked by another incident of police recklessness, which has seen members of the SAPS kill yet another innocent man. 

Kgothatso Ndobe was gunned down in Pretoria yesterday while polishing his shoes. 

When police spokesperson, Inspector Skosana, was questioned on whether a warning shot was fired, or whether it was directly aimed at Kgothatso, he replied that he did not care because this was how they have been told to operate. 

The sad reality of this situation is that those who are supposed to protect and respect our communities, are the ones who are now killing innocent South Africans. 

This is the second such incident which has occurred after the Minister of Police and the Commissioner of Police issued their 'shoot-to-kill'  directive. The IFP is concerned that we are going to lose more lives if the 'shoot to kill' statement is not clarified, as a matter of urgency. 

We urge the National Police Commissioner and the National Minister to publicly apologise to the nation and to urgently educate our police force about what the statement actually means. Commissioner Cele and Minister Mthethwa must clarify whether their statement refers to the killing of innocent people or did the statement mean dangerous criminals? 

Lastly, the IFP Gauteng would like to convey its sincere condolences to the Ndobe family on the sudden loss of their son Kgothatso. May his soul rest in peace. 

Issued by:
Petros Sithole MPL
IFP Gauteng Leader
082 743 1348