A police officer has denied beating a suspect until he soiled himself in the ongoing trial on the murder of Orlando Pirates player Senzo Meyiwa.
The defence began cross-examining Constable Jabulani Buthelezi, the arresting officer in the case of accused Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya. Buthelezi’s testimony took a dark turn as he faced intense scrutiny regarding alleged police brutality and a coerced confession during Sibiya’s arrest on May 30, 2020.
ALSO READ: Marching for Justice: Fans Demand Justice For Senzo Meyiwa at Pretoria High Court
Senzo Meyiwa Murder Suspect Was Thrashed Until He Soiled Himself
The defence vehemently claimed that Sibiya was subjected to a harrowing ordeal at Lethabong, alleging that he was physically assaulted and pressured into signing a confession. However, Buthelezi denied this, maintaining that the accused was treated fairly and not subjected to any abuse.
Advocate Thulani Mngomezulu, representing the defence, presented a compelling challenge to Buthelezi’s account. Mngomezulu suggested that the police had brutally beaten the accused to the point where he soiled himself.
In response, Buthelezi clarified that they had taken Sibiya to his shack to allow him to change his pants, as the accused had politely complained that they were uncomfortable. The arresting officer asserted that Sibiya was wearing Brenthood trousers during the arrest, and the request for a change was accommodated without any acts of violence or abuse.
Heavy Police Presence During Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya’s Arrest
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng questioned Buthelezi about the heavy police presence during the arrest. The judge asked if he had ever encountered accused individuals being transported to court in regular state vehicles in the past.
The police officer referenced incidents where armed individuals had hijacked prisoners believed to be their associates, resulting in police officers being shot with AK47s. These incidents often led to the release of the prisoners by their armed captors. Buthelezi defended the heavily armed presence, citing such incidents as the reason for the enhanced security measures.