Video footage caught the police officer pushing the woman to walk while both her hands were clasped around her neck. Photo: Screenshot
Image: screenshot
Two female officers, a constable and a sergeant, accused of assaulting a 40-year-old woman at the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein, were released on R1,000 bail each.
They were released after appearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Friday, following their arrests on Thursday.
The two officers, Sergeant Mamorena Shuping and Constable Lucia Marumo allegedly assaulted Stephanie Booysen at the police station.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson, Lizzy Suping said Booysen had gone to the police station to report domestic violence after her boyfriend had violated a protection order.
"It is alleged that the 40-year-old victim was assaulted by the officers following a disagreement that led to the assault inside the police station," she said.
The officers have been charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Suping said their case has been postponed to March 7, to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether the charge is appropriate.
In the over two-minute video that was caught on CCTV, a woman is seen coming into the video frame and a female police officer slaps her across the face. Followed by another woman, in full uniform, pushing her towards the outside entrance of the police station but the woman is trying to fight back.
In a statement released, provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said the provincial commissioner was aware of the video.
“The SAPS views these allegations with the utmost seriousness. The matter is currently under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), and, simultaneously, internal investigations are under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” Makhele said.
Police management said it acknowledged the outcry from the victim and the broader community who have expressed deep concern over police brutality and called for the immediate removal of the police officers involved.
“We understand and respect these concerns. However, it is important to clarify that in accordance with our labour laws, there are established legal and procedural frameworks that govern the suspension or removal of members from their duties. Such actions can only be taken following the outcomes of formal investigations, which will inform management’s decisions appropriately,” Makhele said.
Meanwhile, Free State police commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said while the SAPS does not condone any form of misconduct or abuse of power by members, it is equally vital to uphold principles of fairness and due process.
Motswenyane said this included allowing the involved members to provide their side of the story. Understanding the full context, including events that may have occurred before the incident captured in the video, is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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