South African Police Watchdog Investigates Allegations of Student Shot During Protest

South Africa’s police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating allegations of police involvement after a student was shot and wounded during the national shutdown in Braamfontein.

IPID confirmed that officials are interviewing the young woman.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has denied using rubber bullets during the protest on Monday.

IPID spokesperson Ndileka Cola said the police watchdog hoped to get more clarity from the student’s medical report to determine if she was shot with rubber bullets.

The police watchdog said it had seen the video footage of students helping the young woman cover the wound, which has been circulating on social media.

However, police deny using anything other than a water cannon and smoke grenade during the demonstration.