The case of assault against two DA ward councillors and two community members has been withdrawn.
The case, heard at the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court, was provisionally withdrawn on October 18 by the presiding magistrate to allow for further investigation.
Also read: DA councillors allegedly assaulted, arrested by Edenvale police officers
The magistrate made her decision after the prosecutor told the court of the state’s decision to withdraw the case.
Charges of assault were made against Ward 17 Clr Simon Lapping, Ward 104 Clr Tracy Lourenco, Samantha Niewoudt and Kim Smith, after they allegedly assaulted police offices on August 10.
The incident occurred at Edenvale Police Station after the group went to the station to assist community members.
Following the incident, the group opened counter charges against the officers and with Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
This was the group’s third court appearance.
Also read: IPID – How to report a case against officers
Lapping said the group plans to open a civil suit against the officers who allegedly assaulted him and the other three.
He said the charges in the suit include unlawful arrest, assault, crimen injuria, theft and defeating the ends of justice.
Lapping said he had not received any feedback about the group’s IPID case.
The legal representative of the group, Mervyn Cirota, welcomed the withdrawal of the case.
Also read: IPID – The leading authority in investigations against SAPS members
Editing and packaging by Marietta Lombard and Charmaine Slater.
