PRESS STATEMENT FROM
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

POLICE RAID ON LINDELANI, STANGER 

DURBAN : JULY 16, 1999

IFP Councillor, Mr Jabulani Sibiya, expressed shock at the outrageous actions of the Durban Murder and Robbery Squad during a raid in C Section, Lindelani.

Mr Sibiya said, "The police converged on the community at 1:30 in the morning on Thursday, July 15 to conduct a raid. All of the policemen were wearing balaclavas, which is incomprehensible."

"They entered the house of Mr Ndaba, kicking down the door. Mr Ndaba was shot in his bed, after drawing and firing his firearm. His wife was injured and is in a serious condition in hospital."

Mr Sibiya said, "In a country with a high crime rate it is understandable to want to protect your family and home. The police entered the house in a violent manner and entered the bedroom. It is understandable that Mr Ndaba would not have recognised that it was the police, as they were wearing balaclavas."

"In our new democracy it is important to recognise the liberty and freedom of all people. For a man to die in his bed in a violent manner due to the incomprehensible and violent actions of the police is not acceptable. We recognise the important role of the police in protecting all citizens, but it is also important for the police to be community friendly orientated", Mr Sibiya said.

Mr Sibiya also said, "After the raid the police pointed their firearms at other residents who came to investigate the shooting. The police ordered everyone to leave the area at gunpoint. A neighbour was also taken at gunpoint to her home to fetch her children. To date people have not been able to return to their houses out of fear of police intimidation."

"These actions are not acceptable and has further distanced the community from having trust in the police. The role of the police is to be community protectors and not to act like a militia and to intimidate the community. This matter will be taken up with the police and action demanded", Mr Sibiya said.

For further information contact Mr Jabulani Sibiya at: 082-5675761