SAPS officers soon back in court

The four Boksburg North police officers accused of assaulting and torturing a Nigerian man into a coma on January 9 are expected back in court on June 7.

Constables Sakhile Mathaba, Mlondolozi Khalipha and Nkateko Hlogwane and Sergeant Sibusiso Shabangu appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on May 11, where the case was postponed for further investigation.

They face charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.

The officers were granted bail of R5 000 each on February 10.

They were arrested at work on February 1 by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).At the time, IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the four were initially charged with assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and defeat the ends of justice.

Suping said the victim and his friends were approached by police officers who demanded to see their identity documents.

When the victim could not produce an original copy of the documentation, he was taken to the police station and allegedly assaulted and tortured by the officers.

“The victim was taken to hospital for medical attention and was in a coma for nine days,” explained Suping.
Community members and activists protested at the Boksburg North Police Station on the morning of March 3 and then marched to the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.

One protestor, Pompi Thobakgale, said: “Sergeant Shabangu has been helping the community deal with drugs and has arrested most of the Nigerians who are dealing in drugs.”