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UPDATE | Lockdown: 3 die allegedly at the hands of the police

Three deaths have allegedly occurred at the hands of police since the start of the nationwide lockdown on 26 March, according to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

On Friday, IPID released a breakdown of the complaints they had received since the lockdown came into effect.

The three deaths as a result of police action were recorded in Gauteng and Western Cape.

Assault cases

Six assault cases have been lodged with IPID, as well as 3 cases of police discharging an official firearm.

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A total of 12 cases was lodged with IPID relating to the Covid-19 operation since the start of the 21-day lockdown.

Excessive force

On Tuesday, News24 reported that police were facing three counts of murder, allegedly as a result of excessive force. IPID are investigating. 

In Langa, Cape Town, a man was allegedly shot dead by police after he charged at officers with a knife during a chase.

In another case, a man died after being tasered by police in the Western Cape while he was on a beer run.

The number of deaths due to the police's actions has dramatically increased. It, in fact, surpasses the amount of deaths due to Covid-19 in the country, which currently sits at seven.

* This article has been amended to indicate that three deaths occurred during the Covid-19 operation and not eight as initially reported. Cases of assault has been revised to 6 from 12, cases of police discharging an official firearm is 3 from 13 and the total number of cases lodged is 12 and not 38.

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