The DA in the Western Cape legislature demands answers from the provincial police commissioner, Yolisa Matakata, on who authorised the use of a water cannon on grant applicants.

The party has condemned Friday’s heavy handed police action against SASSA grant beneficiaries outside its Bellville offices.

The police used a water canon on the large group of mostly disabled and elderly people, in efforts to enforce social distancing.

Spokesperson on Community Safety, Reagen Allen, describes the behaviour of the police as reckless.

“The situation involving excessive use of police force at SASSA venues is deplorable – that the police have been instructed to use water-cannons against vulnerable residents, many of whom are disabled persons, is an abuse of power”

[picture credit: timeslive.co.za]