The City of Cape Town has been made aware of the death of a member of the public following a response by our enforcement staff to a complaint of illegal activities.

Officers attached to the Metro Police Gang and Drug Task Team and the City’s Stabilisation Unit reacted to a complaint of people gambling, drinking in public and smoking dagga on a street corner in Manenberg just before 21:00 on Saturday evening, 18 August 2018.

It was during the pursuit of the suspects that a member of the public apparently tried to obstruct officers, but fell and hit his head.

The officers attempted to assist the injured person on the scene but decided to take the man to hospital as a crowd had gathered and the situation was becoming hostile.

The injured person was taken to Heideveld Day Hospital where he received treatment. The man subsequently passed away as a result of his injuries.

The City is deeply perturbed by claims that the gentleman was deliberately harmed by officers.

We are investigating this matter internally and we are also cooperating fully with the South African Police Service to get to the bottom of the incident.

End