Cele, who will be flanked by his deputy, Cassel Mathale and Police Commissioner, Kehla Sitole, will be visiting a number of lockdown operations - kicking off their day at the provincial headquarters of the Disaster Management Centre in Mahikeng. 

It is expected Cele will address growing concerns over alleged over-policing and use of excessive force during the lockdown period. 

This, as a 34-year old Ekurhuleni Metro police officer and 45-year-old security official arrested for their involvement in the death of an adult man in Vosloorus township on Sunday during lockdown, will appear in the Boksburg Regional Court today for murder and attempted murder. 

Spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Sontaga Seisa, confirms their investigation into the matter is ongoing and reports on what is believed to have transpired.

It’s alleged the deceased was sitting at a tavern in the area when police arrived in a bid to enforce lockdown Regulations. South Africa is less than a week into a 21-day lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus. There was chaos when members of the community allegedly began attacking police, who in retaliation began to discharge rubber bullets. “It is further alleged that the deceased was followed up to his veranda home where he was fatally shot,” says Seisa.

More people were injured in the onslaught, including minors who are aged 5, 6 and 11 years old. Seisa says some of them were taken to local medical facilities for medical care. The incident has elicited wide criticism from the public who have been of the view the major presence of military personnel and police on the streets is not necessary.

Cele’s inspection will begin at 09:00.

OFM News