France Nyaka

Xolani Dudayo was allegedly beaten to a pulp by police officers after he could not pay them the R500 “petrol fee” they charged him for giving him a lift home in a state vehicle.

Now the tearful Dudayo, 31, of Section A in Kameelrivier village near Siyabuswa, is demanding an explanation from the office of the provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Thulani Ntobela, as to why he was assaulted by his men.

Provincial police have confirmed they are investigating the alleged assault of Dudayo by the KwaMhlanga police, who allegedly told his mother to “prepare a coffin” for him when they drove away after the assault.

Dudayo was allegedly beaten outside his home on Wednesday night by the officers, who demanded to be paid for taking him home after his car ran out of petrol on the R568 in Leeufontein village.

Dudayo said: “When we arrived at home they viciously kicked and throttled me in the presence of my family.

“They then pushed me into the van and drove away before they abandoned me in the bushes in Mandela village near KwaMhlanga, about 60km from my home.

“I had to walk to KwaMhlanga Hospital for treatment because I did not have money for transport.”

Dudayo sustained injuries to his ribs and head and he suffered a broken right arm.

Dudayo’s younger sister Phindile, 19, said she tried to lay a charge of assault at KwaMhlanga police station, but alleged she was also assaulted.

Police spokesperson Lt-Col Leonard Hlathi said the police commissioner’s office was looking into Dudayo’s allegations.

provinces@thenewage.co.za