Fourways resident wants justice after harassment and assault
The Fourways resident was stopped by alleged JMPD officers, while driving from McDonald's, and subjected to a harrowing ordeal. The officers, who didn't display identification, accused her of driving under the influence, assaulted her, and demanded an R8 000 bribe.
A harrowing ordeal has left a Fourways resident reeling, as she recounts being stopped by alleged JMPD officers and forced to pay a R6 000 bribe.
The traumatised woman (36), who wishes to remain anonymous, claims she was harassed and assaulted during the incident, which occurred after she was stopped while driving from a McDonald’s in Fourways.
Despite the trauma she’s endured, her primary focus remains on seeking justice.
Also read: Fourways woman assaulted and robbed by ‘JMPD officers’
She said, earlier last week, that she was told, by the investigating officer of her case, that the alleged perpetrators have been identified, and an internal investigation was underway, which was music to her ears.
However, the emotional toll of the experience lingers, highlighting the need for support and justice in cases of alleged police misconduct. She said, she opened a case at the Douglasdale Police Station.
Zeeps Nomlomo, who is friends with the victim, said, in a Facebook post, that the victim was aggressively confronted at an apparent roadblock by one male and one female assailant wearing balaclavas and civilian clothing, who insisted that the 36-year-old was driving under the influence and threatened her with arrest.
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Shockingly, neither individual displayed any form of identification, raising concerns over their legitimacy as law enforcement officers.
Nomlomo described in the post how the situation rapidly escalated, with the female ‘officer’ allegedly dragging the victim from her vehicle and assaulting her. “She was thrown to the ground and forced into a waiting van, which began driving in the opposite direction of the nearest police station.”
The victim confirmed to Fourways Review that it appeared to be an official JMPD van.
In the van, the victim reportedly pleaded for her safety, and a chance to reach a legitimate police station. Instead, the alleged officers demanded a payment of R8 000, asserting that: “You guys have just been paid,” and began physically assaulting her.
Under duress, the victim ultimately transferred R6 000, using a cash send service, to an unknown number.
Read more: Authorities target hawkers and taxi drivers at Witkoppen Bridge
The ordeal, which lasted approximately two hours, concluded with the victim being released under distressing circumstances, still limping from the reported assault.
The victim said she now finds driving a traumatic experience, but, because she has to work for her family, she has no choice. “Because of the investigation, and the fact that I want justice to be served, I did not think about getting counselling. The police did not offer one, but I will go and see a professional after the case has been concluded.”
Superintendent Xolini Fihla, from JMPD, promised to revert with more information to confirm the incident, but, to date, he has not provided the information, despite a number of follow-ups.
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