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By Velani Ludidi 
3h ago
Cape Town – Police arrested a deaf man, put him in a police van and fined him R1000 for not listening to instructions.
Quinton Muller, 55, who is also mute, says officers beat him and dragged him in front of his neighbors and his 12-year-old grandson.
The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon next to his garden at Shepherd Court in Lavender Hill.
“The police stopped while we were relaxing around 6 in the afternoon,” explains his grandfather, his neighbor who acts as an interpreter.
“They started looking for everyone and since I can’t speak, I did sign language asking my neighbor what’s going on.”
He said that at that point the police became violent towards him and asked him why he did not obey their instructions.
“They pushed and kicked me. I couldn’t do anything, I saw people trying to help.
“I could only lift my hands. They asked me where my mask was, but it fell off while they beat me. “
Neighbor Faieka Gasant says she tried to explain to police that Quinton is mute.
“All I wanted to know was what was going on and why they were searching us,” he says.
“The police would not listen when I told them that he could not hear them and that he needs me or someone to speak in sign language so that he can understand.
“I didn’t have a mask, but they didn’t just drag me and beat me. They also gave me a R1000 fine ”.
Quinton says that during the trip to the Steenberg police store, while he was in the back of the truck, a police officer pointed a gun at him.
“They opened the truck and pointed a gun at me for no reason. I couldn’t read their lips because they were wearing masks. Then they gave me notice to appear in Wynberg court. “
He says he was traumatized by the incident: “The police stepped on our tomatoes in the garden. He had never experienced that kind of treatment from the police. It was traumatic. “
Police spokesman Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed the arrest: “This office can confirm that a 56-year-old man was arrested on Shepherd Way, Lavender Hill, for violating the Disaster Management Regulations on January 26 around the 18:50. He was released with a fine for admission of guilt. “
According to the notice, Quentin is due to appear in court on March 4.
The office manager says he lost his job when the shutdown began.
“I will go to court because I cannot pay the fine. The police said that I have to bring witnesses, so I hope they dismiss the case, “he says.
Daily voice
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