Cape Town – The SAPS’s Special Task Force is reportedly under scrutiny following a raid captured by CCTV footage in which officers stormed an East Rand home and other properties, allegedly assaulting civilians and causing damage.
According to The Citizen, the raid, part of a multidisciplinary operation, saw officers armed with high-caliber rifles forcefully enter properties, resulting in the assault and mistreatment of unarmed individuals.
The video footage, that has since gone viral, begins with the unit forcefully breaching the remote-controlled gate of the home using an Inyala armored vehicle.
High-caliber rifles are drawn as about seven police officers exit the vehicle, followed by five more officers on foot. All are equipped with steel helmets, bulletproof vests, and high-caliber assault rifles.
WATCH: Police stormed the premises (home and business) of an East Rand businessman earlier this week saying they were searching for weapons.
They assaulted the owner and caused damage to the gate.
The cops left after finding nothing.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/UFHxCJKZ36
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 21, 2024
The group cautiously advances into the property, keeping their rifles at the ready.
Inside the home, a terrified man is shown kneeling in surrender, with his arms raised.
Suddenly, an officer kicks the unarmed man below the belt, causing him to collapse face down. Another officer then stomps on the man’s back to keep him down.
In the video, approximately four unarmed individuals are rounded up, pushed, and kicked by the officers during the operation at three different properties.
At one point, a woman is seen being directed toward the entrance of another property by the armed officers.
The unit proceeds to a business premises, where they are seen rounding up two men, forcing them to lie on the ground, and kicking them.
The video has sparked speculation on social media platforms, with many questioning the legality of the raid.
The police, however, have defended their actions, citing the operation’s legality and adherence to search warrants. However, critics argue that the officers’ behaviour was heavy-handed and potentially unlawful.
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Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
