Image and words: Sandiso Phaliso / GroundUp

The family of slain taxi driver Luvuyo Vimba say they want those responsible for his death to be brought to justice.

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Vimba died after a clash with SA Police Service officers in the city center on November 1.

His brother Malusi told GroundUp that the family was only informed of Vimba’s death this week.

“We got a call on Friday night that he had been assaulted by the police after an altercation and we went to the police station but were prevented from seeing him. On Saturday we went again and couldn’t see him and on Sunday we were told he had been transferred to a hospital but not told which hospital. We were only told on Monday where to find him,’ said Malusi.

He said the family would not rest until a full investigation had taken place and a criminal case had been opened against those responsible.

At a briefing in Khayelitsha on Wednesday, CODETA taxi association spokesperson Nceba Enge said Vimba was a victim of police brutality.

He said the videos showed officers strangling Vimba. GroundUp has seen videos in which Vimba appears to have been assaulted.

City law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason told GroundUp that law enforcement heard from SAPS that a shot had been fired in Strand Street in the city center and SAPS and law enforcement went to investigate and identify a suspect. “However, based on the information we have, bystanders and taxi drivers tried to interfere.” Dyson said law enforcement officers provided “tactical cover” to SAPS officers.

Dyason said Vimba was taken to the nearby railway police station by SAPS officers and law enforcement officers remained at the scene for about an hour before leaving.

He referred all further questions to the SAPS.

SAPS spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said the incident was being investigated by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) and he could not comment further.

IPID spokesperson Rabie Raburabu did not respond to questions by the time of publication.

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Image and words: Sandiso Phaliso / GroundUp