Amputee awarded R60000 after unlawful arrest and detention

AN AMPUTEE reliant on a prosthetic leg, who was arrested for no reason by the police and detained overnight before he was told he could go home, is set to receive R60000 in damages from police.

- ZELDA VENTER

The North West High Court, sitting in Mahikeng, remarked that the plaintiff (who was only identified by his initials in the judgment) faced unique challenges, as police cells are typically designed with able-bodied detainees in mind, with little consideration given for the special needs of those with impaired movement.

The plaintiff claimed R150000 arising from his unlawful arrest on January 3, 2023, and his subsequent detention.

While the father of three explained his ordeal to the court, the police did not appear in court to defend the matter.

The plaintiff testified that the police arrived at his home in Ventersdorp and informed him that he was being arrested on allegations that he and his friends had assaulted someone.

Despite attempting to explain his innocence, the police officers refused to hear his version and ordered him into the back of the police vehicle.