Toshao breaks silence on Facebook video
Lenox Shuman
Lenox Shuman

A VIDEO which went viral on social media recently, has prompted a response from the individual involved – Toshao Lenox Shuman – who sought to provide clarity on the circumstances which led to him being partially undressed in the compound of a police station, evidenced in the video.
The video was reportedly recorded by a police officer at the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Police Station with the use of a cell phone. In the video, the officer alleges that the Toshao was withholding evidence in the form of a sim card, from the police. The sim, he said, was from a stolen cell phone.
The rank then goes on to state that Officer 21879 Cadogan, requested of Shuman to hand over the sim, which he [Shuman] refused to do. Pointing to the Toshao, who was dressed only in his shorts, the officer said, “I did not authorise this, the stripping of his clothing. I did not ask him to search him.”
The officer claimed that he only asked Shuman to enter the police station so the police could continue with their investigations.
“This is the condition of the Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission at the police station in the presence of juveniles… So Mr. Toshao kindly put on your clothes,” the officer tells Shuman, who then proceeds into the police station and occupies a seat.
However, on Wednesday, in a Facebook post, the Indigenous leader sought to provide details of the series of events which led to him being videoed.
Shuman explained that two “strangers” showed up and began harassing members of the community.
“I say strangers because one was dressed in an armless T-shirt, short pants and flip flops claiming they were there to show us who is boss and to arrest anyone who gets in their way,” he said in his post.
The village leader explained that as Toshao, he enquired and was told by said individual, who failed to identify himself as a police officer, “I don’t care who is Toshao and who is not!” He also alleged that the officer was not in police uniform.
Subsequently, a report was filed at the Cove and John Police station. Shuman said that after claiming that he will be arrested for withholding evidence, he submitted his clothing and belongings to be searched, willingly.
“I did not assault, kill, maim, rape, traffic, nor utilize prohibited substance, nor did I resist arrest. It was done in protest of continued police misconduct,” the Toshao said, adding that an obviously “tainted” investigation is ongoing, and if he has broken the law then he will submit himself to the charges.
He said that complaints have been made about ranks smoking marijuana, discharging their weapon while intoxicated and potentially after smoking, harassing community members, dressing in uniform and going to the secondary school to target young girls in the community.
These reports, the village leader said, was greeted with, “Toshao, next time you ask for assistance you will not receive any support from me.”
Against this backdrop, he hinted at the video and questioned rhetorically, “what logical outcome can one expect?”
With the video gaining much traction on social media, and with insults being hurled at him, Shuman pleaded with persons to “please save the personal insults and measure your character by your words, and please do not kill civility.”
“I will also make it clear that the entire Force should not be painted with such a brush as I know a lot of ranks markedly above par in their profession,” the Toshao added.
He also urged persons to not take things at surface level and question why evidence of an ongoing investigation was in the public domain and social media; why was the officer recording instead of attempting to diffuse the situation while other ranks are clearly sitting by doing nothing; and why was the video leaked to coincide with a report that is due on a petition against him.
Last month, Shuman stepped down from his post as village leader to facilitate investigations by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs for several allegations levelled against him. Reports are that several matters, including financial accountability, administrative matters and general conduct within the village were brought against him.

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