The police are investigating the conduct of members of the SAPS VIP protection unit after a video of them allegedly assaulting a motorist and his passengers went viral. The video clip circulating on social media shows the blue light officers getting off from two BMW X5s before they dragged the three men out of a VW Polo and assaulted them.
THE ASSAULT
The video was captured by another motorist on the N1 highway near Fourways but it is not clear when the incident took place. In the clip, a group of about seven officers who are armed with rifles keep assaulting the defenceless civilians, kicking them. One of the men believed to be the driver was left lying motionless on the side of the road. After the alleged assault, the officers can be seen getting back into the cars and driving off. 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
TRACING OF THE VICTIMS
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe the process to trace the victims who are seen to be allegedly assaulted by the cops is underway. "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. She confirmed that a preliminary report indicates that the vehicles seen in the video belong to the SAPS and the men seen in the video are police members.
SAPS DISTANCES ITSELF FROM THE POLICE CONDUCT
Mathe said while the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, they distance themselves from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video which does not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS. "Our code of conduct outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights," Mathe said, adding that national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has condemned the behaviour of the members. "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," said Masemola. The victims are encouraged to contact Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on 0820408808 for investigation purposes.
