Motorists assaulted by VIP police allegedly prohibited by SANDF from speaking out Screenshots via Twitter video/@IanCameron23.
WATCH: SAPS VIP Protection members assault motorist in Joburg
The SAPS says it has begun the process of identifying victims that were assaulted by its members in a widely circulated video.
Motorists assaulted by VIP police allegedly prohibited by SANDF from speaking out Screenshots via Twitter video/@IanCameron23.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the process to trace victims who were allegedly assaulted by its members in a viral video is underway.
It is not yet clear when the incident happened and what caused it but the police service’s VIP Protection members were captured dragging a man and severely assaulting him on the N1 highway in Fourways, Johannesburg.
SAPS MEMBERS ASSAULT JOBURG MOTORIST
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said after being made aware of the incident captured on a video clip that is currently doing the rounds on various media platforms, the SAPS management has begun the process to trace the victims to obtain statements from them while an internal departmental investigation is underway.
Mathe said a preliminary report indicates that the vehicles seen in the video belong to the SAPS and the men seen in the video are members of the police service.
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“While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, 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 members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights,” she explained.
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola condemned the behaviour of the members.
Masemola said members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner.
“Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” he said.
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POLICE BRUTALITY CONDEMNED
The incident has been widely criticised by government officials and members of the public.
City of Cape Town Mayor also weighed in on the brutal incident.
“Even if it takes private prosecution, we cannot stop until every single one of these thugs is brought to book,” he tweeted.
DA Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield said he will do everything in his 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,” he tweeted.
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