Cape Town – Police are investigating an incident in Gauteng after a video emerged showing heavily armed officers assaulting a motorist and two others following a driving dispute.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the two black BMW X5s seen in the viral video belonged to the police force.
The authorities are now attempting to locate the victims of the assault.
In the video, officers exit the vehicles and allegedly drag the presumed driver from a blue VW Polo before assaulting him.
Other officers armed with rifles join in the assault, while two male passengers are also attacked.
The officers then return to their vehicles and drive away, leaving the driver motionless on the ground.
A woman filming the incident expresses concern for the victims’ safety.
The Democratic Alliance MP Andrew Whitfield has vowed to ensure the officers responsible are brought to justice.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that these Blue Light Bullies are brought to book. I have already engaged the Executive Director of IPID and will be demanding that Minister Cele ensure SAPS arrest these thugs within 24 hours,” Whitfield tweeted.
I will do everything in my power to ensure that these Blue Light Bullies are brought to book. I have already engaged the Executive Director of IPID and will be demanding that Minister Cele ensure SAPS arrest these thugs within 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/n1PaOAXcin
— Andrew Whitfield, MP (@andrewhitfield) July 3, 2023
Meanwhile, Ian Cameron of Action Society wants the officers to be identified publicly.
“Make these thugs famous! Allegedly cops of VIP protection unit. This is an atrocity. This is what happens when the police is used as an iron fist for the state. Apparently in Johannesburg today. What will happen to them @SAPoliceService? Whatever happened to serve and protect?!,” Cameron said.
This is what happens when tax money is wasted on the armed wing of the ruling party. These SAPS VIP ‘protectors’ are nothing but low life criminals. They should be named, shamed and locked away. Charge them @SAPoliceService your silence is deafening!!! https://t.co/h5e84ih263 pic.twitter.com/GN5VUp2ckw
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) July 3, 2023
The SAPS has initiated an internal investigation into the incident and said that the behaviour depicted in the video does not align with the values and code of conduct of the police force.
In a statement on Tuesday, SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the police have since successfully traced the victims of this incident.
“The process to obtain their statements continues as part of the probe. The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes. Management of the SAPS views this as serious and will get to the bottom of this incident,” said Mathe.
Earlier, Mathe said: “While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is under way, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video which do not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS, which outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights,” IOL quoted SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe as saying.
Police National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola condemned the officers’ behaviour, emphasising that law enforcement should protect citizens’ rights and exercise their powers responsibly.
The victims are urged to contact the police for investigation purposes.
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Picture: Twitter/@IanCameron23
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
