Given Mabusela died in police custody in South Africa, and the official police report stated that he resisted cooperation and police had to use necessary force. However, his family and girlfriend have raised questions about the report, calling for justice and reform within law enforcement. An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is ongoing, and Mabusela’s story highlights the need for reform and accountability within law enforcement.
The Tragic End of Given Mabusela: Controversy, Calls for Justice and Questions Unanswered
In November 2020, Given Mabusela died while in police custody in South Africa. According to the police report, Mabusela “resisted cooperation” and police had to use “necessary force,” leading to a fatal head injury. However, Mabusela’s family and girlfriend have raised questions about the official account, calling for justice and reform within law enforcement. An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is ongoing.
The Arrest
In the wee hours of November 6th, a seemingly routine arrest would culminate in the tragic demise of 46-year-old Given Mabusela under the custody of the Table View police. It would be his final encounter with law enforcement, as by the end of the day, he was pronounced deceased in a South African police cell.
The events leading up to Mabusela’s untimely death are as controversial as they are tragic. An internal police document reveals that Mabusela was seized during a standard patrol just past midnight, alongside another individual found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
During this initial encounter, Mabusela reportedly ‘resisted cooperation’, a detail included in the police report which would mark the beginning of a series of unfortunate events. The same report details that the police had to apply ‘necessary force’ to get Mabusela into the patrol vehicle. This forceful action led to an altercation at the police station, where Mabusela supposedly ‘assaulted’ the officers and refused to untie his shoelaces, resulting in a fatal head injury.
The Controversy
The report vaguely indicates Mabusela ‘experienced difficulty breathing’ but remains silent on the actual extent of his injuries or the seriousness of his medical state. Following a transfer from the police cell to the Du Noon Clinic, Mabusela was put on a ventilator and declared dead upon arrival.
This official account, however, has been met with skepticism. Mabusela’s half-sister, Tumelo Peete, portrays a system that not only failed Mabusela but subjected him to grave injustice. Her pleas to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) fell on deaf ears, leaving her to process the reality of her brother’s death alone while marshaling the resources necessary for his honorable send-off.
The shockwaves of the tragedy extend beyond Mabusela’s immediate family. Mabusela’s girlfriend, Zanele Nzamo, remembers the moment senior police officers broke the news of his passing to her. For Nzamo, Mabusela was more than just a partner – he was her provider, her closest confidant, her sibling.
A Call for Justice
The narrative is further complicated by the testimony of the man apprehended with Mabusela. During a visit by Nzamo at Pollsmoor prison, the co-accused claimed that Mabusela was ‘murdered in cold blood’. This narrative sharply contradicts the impartial, detached language of the police report, leading to questions about the nature and extent of the ‘necessary force’ deployed.
In response to these accusations, the spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, Captain Frederick van Wyk, pointed to the ongoing investigation spearheaded by the IPID. Though details remain scant, IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping remains confident that the investigation is in its final stages.
Given Mabusela’s story evokes a powerful blend of sorrow, fury, and exasperation. It serves as a glaring testament to potential power misuse within law enforcement and emphasizes the pressing need for reform and accountability. Amidst the grief and the lingering queries, Mabusela’s narrative demands justice and transformation, a call that should not be ignored.
How did Given Mabusela die?
Given Mabusela died while in police custody in South Africa. According to the police report, Mabusela “resisted cooperation” and police had to use “necessary force,” leading to a fatal head injury.
What kind of force did the police use on Given Mabusela?
The police report stated that they had to use “necessary force” on Mabusela to get him into the patrol vehicle, and he supposedly “assaulted” the officers and refused to untie his shoelaces, resulting in a fatal head injury.
What do Mabusela’s family and girlfriend think of the official police report?
Mabusela’s family and girlfriend have raised questions about the official police report, calling for justice and reform within law enforcement. They are skeptical of the report’s account and want more transparency and accountability.
What is the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)?
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is an independent agency in South Africa responsible for investigating complaints against the police. They are currently investigating Mabusela’s death while in police custody.
What is the Western Cape SAPS?
The Western Cape SAPS is the South African Police Service responsible for law enforcement in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, Captain Frederick van Wyk, has addressed accusations surrounding Mabusela’s death.
What is the significance of Given Mabusela’s story?
Given Mabusela’s story highlights the need for reform and accountability within law enforcement. His death while in police custody has raised questions about police brutality and the use of force, and his family and girlfriend are calling for justice and transparency in the investigation.
