Mother and small child held in Roodepoort Police custody for duration of the weekend

Interactions between the public and members of the Police Service can often be routine, but occasionally extraordinary circumstances create confusion and uncertainty.

Information has surfaced that after an emotionally charged incident, a mother was allowed to keep her child with her while spending the weekend in police custody. Certainly not in line with procedure, police are looking into the matter that occurred at the Roodepoort Police Station on Friday, 31 July.

“An urgent internal investigation is currently under way to look into allegations and media reports of how a woman who was arrested for a domestic-violence related offence, was allowed to keep her five-year-old child with her while in detention,” stated police spokesperson Brigadier Mathaphelo Peters.

Activist Devon Hofmeyr highlighted the matter via a video he posted on his social media platforms. When questioned on the matter, Devon accepted the police’s arrest of the mother but had great concern for the small boy.

“Can you imagine being a five-year-old in a state cell. It must an incredibly traumatic incident for him and we need to know why this was allowed,” he pleaded.

The investigation into the ordeal has been launched on the instruction of Gauteng Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.

“The outcome of this investigation will guide what steps need to be taken,” claimed Brigadier Peters. More information around the investigation will be shared when it is forthcoming.