The Eastern Cape police have been accused by a family for killing their 19-year-old son.
The boy was allegedly killed in his bed during a raid for a firearm in Tsomo in the early hours of Friday.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the police described the incident as a means of self-defence and not a means of murder.
The attack on the Tsomo High School Grade 10 pupil, Nathi Sotushe was allegedly carried out by 15 police officers at his Mdletyeni home.
IPID spokesperson Ndileka Cola said the police claimed they shot Sotushe in self-defence after he used a spear to attack them.
“It is alleged that the police visited the homestead in Mdletyeni location Tsomo. When they entered the house, the deceased attacked the police officer with a spear and the police officer fired a shot that fatally wounded him. The investigation continues and upon completion, the matter will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a final decision.”
She confirmed IPID was investigating a death as a result of police action.
But Sotushe’s uncle, Mninawa Gwadela claimed that his nephew was tortured for hours before his death.
He said he was sleeping when he heard loud noise and when he went out to see what was going on, he found more than 15 police officers standing above his nephew who was soaked in blood.
“What became clear is that he was beaten with fists for a long time in the face and body before he was shot”
Gwadela then asked the police what the raid was for and they replied that they wanted him to tell them about a gun.
“I asked them how he was going to be able to talk when he was viciously attacked like that.”
Gwadela claimed the house was searched and no gun was found in the house.
The teenager will be laid to rest on Saturday.
