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Opposition parties voiced disappointment on Thursday at the acquittal of seven policemen in the case of Ficksburg protester, Andries Tatane.
The Democratic Alliance says this sends the message that the police can act with impunity.
The DA's spokesperson for justice, Debbie Schafer says while they do not question the judgment, which acquitted the policemen accused of killing Tatane, the party questions who would be held accountable for his death.
The United Democratic Movement's secretary-general, Bongani Msomi says the acquittal is a sad day for justice.
He says the UDM is shocked by the ruling.
On Thursday, Ficksburg Regional Court magistrate, Hein van Niekerk found the State could not prove its case of murder and assault beyond reasonable doubt.
Tatane died in April 2011, after the police used rubber bullets and batons to subdue him during a service delivery protest in the town.
