The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has said it will review assault complaints from victims allegedly assaulted by police officers, provided such complaints are received. However, no formal case has yet been opened with them.
IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping addressed the Middelburg Observer’s enquiries following allegations of police brutality involving special task unit officers.
The incident occurred last Friday at a tavern in Somaphepha Village.
Video footage obtained by the paper shows police officers opening and spilling beers on patrons, assaulting others with pool cues, and allegedly kicking some people.
The officers had arrived at the tavern to arrest a suspect regarding a crime in Kwaggafontein.
The tavern owner, who asked for anonymity for fear of retaliation, said that armed officers from various units entered the premises at around 23:30.
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Eyewitness Samuel Mokwana said a female officer slapped him twice while he was outside.
Inside, the officers deployed stun grenades and instructed partygoers to lie on the ground before arresting the suspect and allegedly assaulting other customers.
@middelburgobserver The Mpumalanga Special Task Unit is facing allegations of assaulting partygoers and spilling alcohol on them during an operation in Somaphephe Village last Friday.
Mokwana attempted to open a case at the Middelburg Police Station but was turned away.
- The tavern owner said he managed to open a case and was informed the IPID would contact him.
As of Wednesday, the IPID had not reached out, and while the tavern owner has filed a case, his customers, who were reportedly assaulted, were turned away by the police.
