New twist in teen shooting

Sharon Mathala | Wednesday April 23, 2014 11:01

 

The victim’s parents however, say, they were only aware of the idling and disorderly conduct charge while police spokesperson, Dipheko Motube said a cellphone found in the wake of the shooting was stolen, adding another charge.

The 16 year-old Bonnington Junior Secondary School student was shot in the lower arm with rubber bullets after what he says was an innocent walk back from a football game viewing.

The teen claims he and his group of friends fled when police opened fire with rubber bullets without warning.

The boy says he and a friend were apprehended when they failed to escape the police.  They were detained for more than 14 hours without medical attention, before being released without charge.

Yesterday, Motube said investigations into the matter were ongoing.

“I can confirm that we are investigating an incident in which police officers in pursuit of a case of armed robbery in Block 8, are alleged to have fired rubber bullets at a group of people who are alleged to have fled on sight of the police,” he told Mmegi.

“A cellphone which is suspected to have been linked to one of the reported (armed robbery) cases was also found in their trail.

“The duo will now face two counts of charges.  The first is for idling and disorderly conduct and the second is for possession of suspected stolen property.”

The victim’s father, Zachariah Lephogole told Mmegi that Sir Seretse Khama Airport police had informed the family that the teen was only facing one charge. He said the police had told him that they would contact the family as investigations continue.

“It has been a week since they shot my boy, and so far they have not said anything in relation to the shooting,” he said.

“Rather they waited for me to call them on Tuesday and one officer told me that they have charged him with idling and disorder,” he said.

Meanwhile, the teen says the incident has affected his studies as his injured arm has prevented him from completing the Agriculture project for his final Junior Certificate Examination.

“I urged the police to take me to the hospital as I was injured but they refused to assist me. Fortunately, my parents came the following day and took me to the clinic. Unfortunately, they refused to release my friend and told my parents that they would not let him go,” he said near tears.

Mmegi is informed that the two officers involved in the shooting are still on active duty.