Durban’s homeless accuse metro police of brutality ahead of elections

Homeless residents in Durban accused metro police of using excessive force, pepper spray and harassment against people sleeping in public spaces where it is not permitted. Philani Mthembu made the allegations at the Denis Hurley Centre’s “See Our Faces, Hear Our Voices” dialogue, attended by representatives of the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP and MK Party ahead of the November 4 local elections. Metro police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said the department was unaware of complaints of this nature, but that officers are routinely advised not to assault homeless people.