The Tragic End of Given Mabusela: A Tale of Controversy and Grief

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Given Mabusela’s fatal encounter with Table View police has raised questions about police conduct and the value of human life. Internal reports indicate that police used “necessary force” to get him into a patrol vehicle, resulting in a scuffle at the station that led to his death. Mabusela’s family and friends are grieving and seeking justice, while investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate are underway to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.

The Unfortunate Incident: An Encounter Turned Fatal

Given Mabusela’s encounter with Table View police on November 6th, 2020, tragically turned out to be his last. Internal police reports indicate that police used “necessary force” to get him into the patrol vehicle. A scuffle ensued at the station, resulting in a head injury that led to respiratory difficulty and Mabusela’s eventual death. The incident has raised questions about police conduct and the sanctity of human life.

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The Unfortunate Incident: An Encounter Turned Fatal

On the fateful morning of November 6th, Given Mabusela, a 46-year-old man, found himself in the custody of the Table View police. Unbeknownst to him, this would tragically be his last encounter with the authorities. Mabusela’s sudden death has led to a whirlwind of inquiries, unveiling a tide of controversy and casting a severe scrutiny on the conduct of the local police force.

Substantiated by an internal police document, endorsed by Colonel Junaid Alcock, the station commander of Table View, Mabusela was apprehended shortly past midnight alongside another individual. The latter was discovered in possession of an unauthorized firearm and ammunition. The report indicates that Mabusela did not cooperate with the authorities, resulting in the police resorting to “necessary force” to get him into the patrol vehicle.

A Disturbing Turn of Events: A Scuffle with Fatal Consequences

A significant occurrence unfolded at the station where Mabusela reportedly declined to remove his shoelaces, which led to a skirmish with the police. During the struggle, Mabusela incurred a head injury. Subsequently, he experienced respiratory difficulty which necessitated his relocation from the holding cells to the Du Noon clinic. Regrettably, upon arrival, Mabusela was declared deceased.

The Aftermath: Grief, Distress, and an Unanswered Quest for Justice

The devastating ripple effects of Mabusela’s demise left his family and friends in deep shock and despair. His half-sister, Tumelo Peete, voiced her profound sorrow. “I am stressed. I am alone, you see I don’t even know where to start to seek guidance,” she lamented. Despite her attempts to get assistance from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), her pleas fell on deaf ears. The family was forced to borrow funds to lay Mabusela to rest, a financial strain that amplified the pain of his abrupt departure.

Zanele Nzamo, Mabusela’s girlfriend, provides a spine-chilling narrative of high-ranking police officers visiting her home to break the news of Mabusela’s death. The disclosure was delivered starkly. She was left with trauma counselors, who were unable to stem the flood of sorrow overcoming her. “He was my friend, my lover, best friend, brother … He was everything to me,” Nzamo cried out, expressing the magnitude of her loss.

Nzamo later met the man who had been detained with Mabusela. She found him in a state of distress, claiming that Mabusela’s death was the consequence of a ruthless murder.

The Investigation: The Search for Truth and Justice

As the circumstances surrounding Mabusela’s death became increasingly contentious, the Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, acknowledged that the case had been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for examination. However, IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping remained mostly uncommunicative, divulging only that the final stages of their investigation were underway.

The story of Given Mabusela serves as a somber reminder of the pressing concerns associated with police conduct, questioning the application of force and the sanctity of human life. Yet, his narrative is not just a saga of controversy and tragedy but also a testament to a life abruptly ended. He was a provider, a partner, a friend, and a brother to his loved ones. His tragic end calls for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and bring justice to his grieving family and friends.

1. Who was Given Mabusela and what happened to him?

Given Mabusela was a 46-year-old man who had an encounter with the Table View police on November 6th, 2020. The police used “necessary force” to get him into the patrol vehicle, resulting in a scuffle at the station that led to his death.

2. What have investigations revealed about the incident?

Internal police reports indicate that police used “necessary force” to get Mabusela into the patrol vehicle. A scuffle ensued at the station, resulting in a head injury that led to respiratory difficulty and Mabusela’s eventual death. Investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are underway to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.

3. How has Mabusela’s death affected his family and friends?

Mabusela’s sudden death has left his family and friends in deep shock and despair. His half-sister, Tumelo Peete, has expressed her profound sorrow and lamented the financial strain of borrowing funds to lay Mabusela to rest. Mabusela’s girlfriend, Zanele Nzamo, has also been left traumatized by the loss.

4. What is being done to seek justice?

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for examination, and investigations are underway to uncover the truth behind the incident. Mabusela’s family and friends are seeking justice for his death.

5. What is the significance of Mabusela’s death for police conduct?

Mabusela’s death has raised questions about police conduct and the sanctity of human life. The incident has cast a severe scrutiny on the conduct of the local police force and serves as a somber reminder of the pressing concerns associated with police conduct.

6. What is the message behind Mabusela’s story?

Mabusela’s story is a testament to a life abruptly ended and reminds us of the value of human life. His tragic end calls for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and bring justice to his grieving family and friends.

Liam Fortuin is a Cape Town journalist whose reporting on the city’s evolving food culture—from township kitchens to wine-land farms—captures the flavours and stories of South Africa’s many kitchens. Raised in Bo-Kaap, he still starts Saturday mornings hunting koesisters at family stalls on Wale Street, a ritual that feeds both his palate and his notebook.

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