Richard Kinobe from Uganda and South African Sicelo Somatamba, who both live in Tabata Street, Zone 8, told the George Herald that police stormed into their house on 25 February looking for drugs.
Somatamba says he was busy washing a carpet outside the house when a white van stopped in the street.
"Police jumped out with guns and I ran into the house calling Richard. Police shot me several times with rubber bullets all over my body."
According to Kinobe, more than 30 police members dressed in black uniforms and armed with guns broke down doors, broke a window and assaulted them while asking them where the drugs were.
Police allegedly also accused them of marrying "their women" (South African citizens) to acquire citizenship and that they were only bringing drugs into the country.
Kinobe also alleges that police took R3 600 from the bedroom, money that has not yet been returned to him.
He says the police members were "very aggressive". On several occasions he asked them if they had search warrants, but the two men would then just get beaten.
Before leaving to raid another house in Zone 2, of Mr L Shakur, police allegedly locked another resident of Tabata Street, Bob Muwoge, in the boot of his vehicle and told him to count to 100.
Kinobe says he will be seeking medical treatment as he fears he may have suffered damage to his hearing after several police officers allegedly repeatedly hit him on the ear during the raid.
Kelly de Waal, Shakur’s girlfriend, says when the police arrived at their house they were aggressive and threatened her while using foul language, making racist remarks and pushing her around.
"I had my toddler with me, she was there with me seeing how they treated me. One guy almost stepped on her when they searched the house, making a mess of everything," says De Waal.
Capt. Malcolm Pojie, Southern Cape police spokesperson, this week confirmed that they are investigating the allegations. "The complainants allege that they have been manhandled and that their rights have been violated. As a result thereof, they’ve opened criminal cases of assault, theft and malicious damage to property," confirms Pojie.
He says cases have also been opened against the complainants after police found a small amount of dagga, liquor and a firearm during the raid.
Pojie says the raids were conducted by their national intervention unit as part of the police operation, "When Duty Calls".
"The aim of the operation is to get rid of illegal drugs/liquor outlets and to free society from the evil of drug abuse.
"In order to succeed in our endeavours, we will take a strong stance against anyone who contravenes the law."
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One of the damaged doors.
ARTICLE: LIZETTE DA SILVA
