Police officers were called after a Samora Machel man Yanga Gwanxu(25)was having an argument with his parents on Monday 15 July. Officers took him and promised the family that when he comes back, he “will be hugging all of you” and little did the family know that it was the end of their son’s life.
A heartbroken father Mvelisi Gwanxu said he was about to sleep when he heard Yanga arguing with his mother. He went back to the dining and intervened, but things got worse when he tried to slap his son. Yanga wanted to fight back, but he was quickly restrained by other people who were present in the room. He then went to his bedroom at the backyard and took empty bottles and smashed the windows in the front of the house.
After sensing some danger, Yanga’s sister and his mother decided to go to the police station. They brought officers who then took Yanga with them.
“The message they told us as they took my son was that ‘when he comes back, he will be hugging all of you’. I thought they were going to lock him up just to discipline him,” said the heartbroken father.
They took Yanga around past 8pm, but around past 10, two hours later, Yanga’s father was informed that his son was found lying on the street close to a shop that is not far away from their home. Together with Yanga’s friends, they went and fetched him, and brought him home.
“His clothes were wet, so I took of his clothes and put him in bed. I thought he was drunk since he was drinking before he was fetched by cops. However he was unable to talk and he looked like someone in pain,” said the father.
When he went to check on him the following day around 8am, tata Mvelisi received the shock of his life. “He was cold, only his stomach area was a little warm,” he said.
The father went to neighbours who also confirmed that he had died. “I don’t know how to express my disappointment and anger for what the police have done. I thought my son was in the hands of the law enforcement not knowing it was his end. I have more questions than answers. He is a father of two, who is going to look for his children,” the father said.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident cited in your enquiry are still under investigation. Samora Machel Police responded to a complaint on Tuesday 16 July 2024. Upon arrival at the address in Nakuthi Street, they found the body of a 25-year-old man.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. According to reports SAPS members removed the victim from home the previous day when he became unruly. SAPS members could not detain the 25-year-old male as the complainant did not register a formal complaint. Samora Machel police registered an inquest for further investigation,” said Swartbooi.
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