MASISI - A man, who has lost his manhood after he was allegedly tortured by police officers, is seeking legal assistance so that he can sue the department of Safety and Security.

Lawrence Mbombi (32) of Lulekane near Phalaborwa says he is unable to fulfil his duty as a man since police attacked and tortured him early last year. Mbombi was at Masisi, near the Kruger National Park with his cousin Andrew Mbombi (26) and Simon Mathebula when police officers allegedly confronted them about stolen copper wire.

"It was on March 21, 2002 when police found us drinking cool drink in a café and confronted us. "They suspected us of being Mozambicans, because we were speaking Shangaan. "We told them we were coming from Makonde Village were we are working as builders. We even explained that we were visiting our relative, Brenda Mushai, who also confirmed that she knew us," said Mbombi. Mbombi said the police insisted on arresting them and they were kept in separate cells until the following day, when the police officers were called from Musina. "It was exactly 09:00 when I was booked out by two officers who tortured me with electricity. They kicked me in the stomach and on my private parts, while my hands were tied at my back. I then experienced severe pains and collapsed," said Mbombi.

Although he complained about his internal pains, Mbombi said he was never taken to hospital. He was also denied the opportunity to lay a charge of assault against the police, he said.

Instead, the police officers charged him with the theft of copper wires. He said he was assaulted again on October 17, 2002 and on the same day he tried to open a case with the help of a nurse at Nancefield Clinic.

He added that the two police officers took them to Alldays Police Station where they assaulted them further. "They also gave an instruction that I must not be allowed to phone or visit the hospital," he said.

Mbombi was later released on R400 bail for the Masisi case while Andrew and Simon were released on R1 500 bail each. The three were given free bail in the other two cases.

He only managed to open a case against the police on January 26, this year. Mbombi was finally admitted to the Musina Hospital on February 25, this year where he was operated on his private parts. Although the Musina case was dismissed on March 28, he says he does not know when his cases will be heard. However, his main concern is that his private parts are permanently damaged. Police spokesperson Captain Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said it was against their policy to use force or torture to get information from a suspect.

He said the case would be investigated and like any other case steps will be taken if the police were found guilty.