[ad_1]
KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala has called for an investigation into the mistreatment of a KZN child, while KwaDukuza trafficking and crime prevention officers were allegedly enforcing the blocking rules.
A video, which has gone viral on social media, was taken at a complex in Ballito, on the north coast of the province, on Sunday morning, showing the dispute between officers and others as the boy is dragged out of facilities by the arm, all this while screaming for his father.
Zikalala said peacekeepers responded to a complaint after several families had been seen on the beach that morning.
READ | President of the Medical Schemes Council dies of complications from Covid-19
He instructed MEC Transportation, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli and MEC Sipho Hlomuka for Cooperative and Local Cooperation to initiate an urgent investigation into the alleged incident and provide him with a report.
“As the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, we do not condone any form of abuse against citizens, especially children, during the national closure of Covid-19,” said Zikalala.
Peace
Zikalala said that while municipal peace officers have a responsibility to maintain peace in their neighborhoods during the shutdown, “child abuse would not be tolerated as it is a violation of the Constitution.”
“The Constitution of our country promotes special protection for children because they are among the most vulnerable members of society.”
He also asked for calm.
READ | 20 liquor licenses suspended in the Western Cape for illegal sale of alcohol
“We call for calm during this difficult time and we also appeal to our people to respect the closure regulations, to avoid any unnecessary confrontation with law enforcement officers,” he added.
Acting KwaDukuza Mayor Dolly Govender told News24 Monday night that she condemned the incident.
“I was embarrassed to see what is happening with community security officials. I have spoken to a senior official, who is calling these officers to determine what happened.”
[ad_2]
