Durban – A video showing one of four pupils from Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, being arrested during violent school protests is under investigation for alleged police brutality.
The four learners, aged 18 to 20, were arrested for public violence, attacking police officers, and malicious damage to property after protests outside a Jozini school.
During these protests, learners from two schools marched to a non-protesting school, damaged police vehicles with stones, and attacked officers. The arrested pupils were released into their parents’ custody and are due to appear in Ubombo magistrate’s court.
“Reports indicate that high school learners from two schools marched to a non-protesting school and staged violent protests at the gate. During the protests, learners damaged police vehicle with stones and also attacked police officers.
#sapsKZN Video showing police assaulting a learner will be investigated – violent protests condemned. The authenticity of the video will be investigated, and if police are found to have acted using excessive force, necessary actions will be taken.#SAPS in Jozini have arrested… pic.twitter.com/pQq9u2DMYi
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 12, 2025
“Four learners, aged between 18 and 20 years old were arrested, but were later released to the custody of their parents. They are expected to appear in the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court, accompanied by their parents or guardians on Thursday, 12 June 2025,” police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said in a statement.
The police have acknowledged the viral video showing police assaulting a pupil and stated that if excessive force is confirmed, appropriate action will be taken.
Netshiunda said that protest actions should not violate the law, and police will act decisively to protect lives and property.
@SAPoliceService beating up learners in Jozini kzn after they were protesting against not being able to write their June examinations because of the protest action of teacher unions in KZN @SadtuNational @SADTUKZN @SABCNews @samkelemaseko @News24 @Newzroom405 #NationalDialogue pic.twitter.com/AKsZEdjIQS
— bee bheko (@bhekobinda) June 11, 2025
“Police have also noted videos doing the rounds on social media, showing police assaulting a learner as they led him to a police van. Such conducts are unacceptable and the authenticity of the video will be investigated, and if police are found to have acted using excessive force, necessary actions will be taken.
“Students, learners and everyone else who wishes to march or protest are reminded that their actions must not violate the law because will police act decisively in order to protect lives, livelihood and property.”
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
