‘Macia was slapped, shoved after arrest’

Eight former police officers testified in their defence denying that Macia was dragged behind the police van on purpose. A ninth accused was acquitted by the High Court in Pretoria. File photo: Itumeleng English

Eight former police officers testified in their defence denying that Macia was dragged behind the police van on purpose. A ninth accused was acquitted by the High Court in Pretoria. File photo: Itumeleng English

Published Jul 29, 2015

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 Pretoria - Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia was slapped and shoved after being arrested, a Warrant Officer in the SA Police Service told the High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Testifying before Judge Bert Bam on Wednesday, Warrant Officer Mpumzi Ngamlana said Macia was crying throughout the ordeal.

“They (the police officers accused of murdering Macia) came in carrying him with their hands. His legs were burnt and dragging on the floor,” Ngamlana said through an interpreter.

“They circled him and I could not see him. I heard a sound which I believe [indicated that] they were slapping him with open palms. Constable (Bongamusa) Mdluli raised a plastic chair to hit him with it. I took the chair and reprimanded Constable Mdluli.”

Ngamlana was in charge of the cells area on the February 26, 2013 when Macia was brought in.

He said since Macia was injured, he asked if the police had taken him to a medical facility. Ngamla said the officers had not sought medical attention for Macia.

Nine former police officers - Mdluli, Meshack Malele, Thamsanqa Ngema, Percy Mnisi, Sipho Ngobeni, Lungisa Gwababa, Bongani Kolisi, Linda Sololo and Matome Ramatlou face murder charges relating to Macia’s death.

They are all out on bail. They have all been dismissed from the SAPS following a disciplinary hearing.

Macia was later found dead in the Ekurhuleni police station’s holding cells after the altercation with cops.

The incident made international headlines and sparked several protests against police brutality.

The trial continues.

ANA

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