From The Editor

Dear Reader,

A play on the idea of an incorporation - a brainchild, a business, a brand as well as my operation of ink (figuratively of course), as I am most passionate about writing, this blog serves to provide my opinion and insights on current events in the media.

"Writers always say, 'I always knew I wanted to be a writer; when I was a three-month-old foetus a pen formed in my hand and I began to scratch my first story on the inside of my mother's womb.' I started later, in my early twenties."
- Harlan Coben

That being said, my name is Naledi Sibisi, who in her early twenties, has grown comfortable with the idea that the pen is indeed her portion. For an unspecified period of time, I wish to take you on a journey as I welcome you to The Ink-Operation of N.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Mido Mafia

image edited by Naledi Sibisi
The town of Daveyton, situated in the east of Johannesburg was greeted with sorrow yesterday as crowds came together for the memorial service dedicated to Mido Macia. The 27-year-old man died last week at the hands of the South African Police Service.


The Mozambican taxi-driver who was based in Johannesburg made headlines last week as a video taken by a bystander came to the media's attention. The graphic clip (below) showed Macia in the midst of an altercation with law enforcement officers. The officers then proceeded to "arrest" the man - not by handcuffing him and taking him into custody but by handcuffing him to the back of the police van and dragging him into custody. He later died in the police cell due to head injuries and internal bleeding.



Do any bells ring here?

 DING DING DING!

 1977:

Steve Biko.
Apartheid Government.
Cause of death: police brutality

2011:

Andries Tatane.
ANC Democratic Government.
Cause of death: police brutality

2012:

34 miners at Marikana.
ANC Democratic Governement.
Cause of death: police brutality

36 years later, the trend continues and justice fails to prevail. According to The Mail and Guardian,​ the case against eight police officers involved in the victim's death was "postponed" earlier this week. Despite having one of the best constitutions in the world and placing such huge emphasis on human rights based on, I don't know, our racially segregated past maybe? I'm beginning to fear the police instead of believing they are here to protect me.

The case of Macia highlights many red flags as it brings into question: human rights, police violence, xenophobia and the justice system - which I feel is starting to resemble that which we see in movies like The Godfather thinking such activity only occurs on American soil.

"Someday - and that day may never come - I'll call upon you to do a service for me. But until that day, accept this justice as gift ..." - Don Corleone (The Godfather) aka Local Police officers


Image by Drafthouse

http://bit.ly/ZgX2Hn (Mail and Guardian)
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