Opposition members of parliament and a faction from the ruling bloc have extended ‘sympathy’ to the youth who were fell victim to police brutality during an ill-fated protest march last week.
The youth were on their way to the parliament buildings where they were due to hand in a letter of grievance to Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro when they stopped in their tracks by police officers. The confrontation left several youths rubber bullet injuries, while more than 10 were arrested and were due to appear in court today.
According to police minister who all but defended the actions of the police, ‘Mamoipone Senauoane, the youth’s protest march was ‘illegal’ as they had gone ahead with it despite being denied a permit by the police.
At a press conference earlier today, the politicians condemned the use of excessive force by the police, while also appealing to the authorities not to be selective in the awarding of permits to hold marches.
They further appealed to the youth to exhaust all available channels before engaging in activities that might endanger their lives.
However, some youths who spoke to theReporter dismissed the politicians’ commiserations as hypocritical, opportunistic and populist accusing them of looting public funds with impunity thereby stealing a future that the youth deserve.
