Police officer slaps woman
Image source: Twitter screen grab
WATCH: SAPS takes action against officer seen SLAPPING woman
Police are now calling on the woman assaulted in the video to come forward so they can open a case with IPID
Police officer slaps woman
Image source: Twitter screen grab
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the officer seen on video assaulting a female civilian has already been identified and will face disciplinary action.
The viral clip – taken via cellphone, shows the police officer slapping the woman – in front of fellow officers.
The assault is believed to have taken place at the Tembisa Police Station. According to anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, who posted the clip on his Twitter page, the unidentified woman had come to the police station to report a crime, but was instead met with violence from the very people mandated to protect and serve her.
“The member involved has been identified and the Provincial Inspectorate, a component dealing with complaints against the police has already instructed the District Coordinator to institute departmental disciplinary investigation against the member,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
Police looking for woman assaulted in video
Now police reaching out to the woman in the video – calling on her to come forward so they can open a case with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
In a second video – all hell breaks loose as the officer realises his attack on the woman is being filmed – and accosts the owner of the cellphone – who at some point is heard screaming.
“We are calling on the victim and the witness to both come forward so we can open a criminal case against the member/s involved. The criminal case will be sent to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation”
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili
Gauteng’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has strongly condemned the incident stating that gender based violence and femicide has been declared a second pandemic in the country.
“Crimes against women and children are a priority for the South African Police Service and will never be tolerated, more especially when perpetrated by a member of the Service who has sworn to serve, protect and uphold the law. I am expecting an expeditious investigation into the matter,” he said.
