Nombuso Asanda Dlamini    

South African celebrities and influencers have joined the movement against how the Nigerian government is handling the ‘End SARS’ protests which have been going on for two weeks.

The Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) was founded in 1992 by Simeon Danladi, former police commission. SARS was formed when Colonel Rindam of the Nigerian Army was killed by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos in September 1992, later leading to the arrest of 3 police officers.

The Squad was formed to protect Nigerian citizens. However, community members are concerned that SARS is doing the exact opposite. Nigerians shared both stories and videos as evidence of how members of SARS engaged in kidnapping, murder, theft, rape, torture, humiliation, unlawful arrests, unlawful detention, extortion and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.

A video of a man being shot at by SARS while driving off circulated last week resulting in the commencement of protests.  A hashtag #ENDSARS has been making rounds on social media platforms with some of the biggest South African celebrities joining in.

Actress Linda Mtoba is one of the people who have been showing great support to the Nigerian nation. On her Instagram story, she shared slides of images explaining SARS and why SARS needs to be stopped.

Pearl Thusi, actress and media personality has also been very vocal on the matter. She has been sharing videos and pictures of the brutality taking place in Nigeria on her Instagram page.

“NIGERIA: PEACEFUL PROTESTORS SHOT BY THE POLICE! Please share this clip and any clip of Dj switch recorded LIVE and ALL AND ANY media outlets and people of influence who can help spread the word and make a difference!!!

Actor Tk Dlamini also posted on his Instagram page a Nigerian flag under the hashtag #PrayForNigeria.

Picture: thesouthafrican.com