Speaker, the ACDP regrets the unnecessary loss of lives at the hands of the police. We want to express our condolences to the Kekana family at the loss of their daughter, Olga, who was allegedly mistakenly shot dead by the police. We also wish the other passengers who were wounded a speedy recovery.
While the ACDP supports the right of the police to use fire power when confronted by armed criminals and when their lives are in danger, we do not support recklessness or a trigger-happy attitude. It is wrong for the police to shoot to kill unarmed civilians who are not threatening them. There is no excuse for firing 13 gunshots at people who are not shooting back or resisting arrest.
We call on the Minister to investigate claims by the South African Air Force pilot, Captain Simon Mathibela, that in spite of his attempts to wave his military document to stop the attack the police allegedly continued firing and that, after shooting them, the police stopped for a few seconds and then left the occupants to die. We further call on the Minister to ensure that the police are properly trained in target shooting so that they will be able to hit tyres and not unarmed passengers. Thank you.