Hout Bay - President Jacob Zuma should appoint a commission of inquiry into the “extreme brutal force” used by police in last week's clashes over shacks at Hangberg in Hout Bay, the Western Cape branch of the ANC said on Tuesday.
It said it supported the call by members of the Hangberg settlement for a probe.
The statement followed provincial ANC leader Membathisi Mdladlana's meeting with community members on Monday.
Three people reportedly lost their eyes to police rubber bullets in the violent clashes, sparked when the municipality moved to break down illegal structures.
The ANC said the community had reiterated its willingness to negotiate with the city and provincial governments to reach an amicable settlement.
“Violent strong-arm tactics by the city and province against innocent people can never be condoned by any law-abiding citizen,” Mdladlana said on Tuesday.
“The communities in and around Hout Bay are still willing to talk to the city and province to resolve the matter.
“They cannot negotiate over the barrel of a gun. Therefore the nilly willy shootings must cease and the trigger-happy officials must be withdrawn from the area.” - Sapa