The shooting of a Grade 10 learner by a police officer during a protest at his school has resulted in the SAPS being held liable for his damages. A protest at a local school regarding worsening conditions turned violent when police shot a student, leading to a damages claim against the SAPS. Siphelele Totseka, the plaintiff, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Police in the Eastern Cape High Court, seeking compensation for the assault he suffered at the hands of the SAPS.
He testified that he was a Grade 10 learner at Madala Senior Secondary School in 2019 when the incident occurred. The students assembled for prayer as per his school schedule.Instead of singing the usual gospel songs, he, along with his fellow learners, initiated a protest concerning the dilapidated state of the school’s infrastructure. The students assembled for prayer as per his school schedule.
Instead of singing the usual gospel songs, he, along with his fellow learners, initiated a protest concerning the dilapidated state of the school’s infrastructure. According to the plaintiff, the school toilets were blocked, and windows were cracked, exposing them to harsh weather conditions.The protest proceeded outside the school premises and along the N2 public road, blocking traffic that was moving in both directions. According to the plaintiff, the school toilets were blocked, and windows were cracked, exposing them to harsh weather conditions.
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The protest proceeded outside the school premises and along the N2 public road, blocking traffic that was moving in both directions. They placed stones, foreign objects, and burnt tyres.A truck driven by police arrived at the scene, whereupon the learners were teargassed. They ran inside the school yard and continued protesting.While they were singing, a police vehiclearrived.
Police officers in uniform and name tags exited the vehicle. They placed stones, foreign objects, and burnt tyres.
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