Calls are mounting for swift disciplinary action against two JMPD officers after a video showing the alleged assault of a motorist during a traffic stop went viral on social media on Wednesday (July 23), reports Southern Courier.

The footage appears to show a male and female JMPD officer stopping a vehicle occupied by a motorist and a passenger.

According to the video, the male officer accused the driver of swearing at him while requesting his driver’s licence.

During the exchange, the officer is heard using profanities. The motorist repeatedly asked the officer not to swear at him and requested that he speak respectfully.

The confrontation quickly escalated when the officer allegedly grabbed the driver by the neck while accusing him of swearing at a police officer.

The motorist can be heard pleading for mercy and saying he was struggling to breathe.

The officer again demanded the driver’s licence, but the motorist refused, claiming the officer had taken his car keys without permission.

As tensions rose, the passenger pleaded with the female officer to intervene. Instead, further confrontation followed. The motorist urged the officer to arrest him rather than continue the assault.

The video then appears to show the male officer opening the driver’s door, pulling the motorist from the vehicle by the neck and forcing him onto the road before pinning him down with his knee.

During the incident, the female officer is heard telling the passenger that she would allow her colleague to continue because the passenger had told her to remain quiet.

The incident has drawn widespread public criticism and appears to contradict the commitments made by JMPD chief of police Patrick Jaca during his inauguration on April 3 last year.

At the time, Jaca said, “As I take on this responsibility, I commit to restoring discipline, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring the safety of every resident of Johannesburg. The JMPD will stand firm, uphold the law, and serve with integrity. Together, we will build a safer, more secure city.”

Responding to the latest incident, JMPD confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.

“The JMPD has noted the concerns circulating on social media. The matter is under investigation through Internal Affairs. JMPD condemns any abuse of power, misconduct or actions that undermine public trust. Members of the public are encouraged to report misconduct or lodge formal complaints through JMPD Internal Affairs by calling 0800 203 712 or sending a WhatsApp message to 063 253 1928,” said the department.

“JMPD remains committed to accountability, professionalism and upholding the highest standards of service,” the department added.

DA Shadow MMC for Public Safety, Solomon Maila, said the party has written to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero demanding urgent disciplinary action against the officers involved.

“We have written to Morero to demand that the officers be criminally charged. This will help protect the public image of the JMPD, as the incident clearly brings the Public Safety Department into disrepute,” Maila said.

Separate calls over Madlanga Commission allegations

Maila also called for the suspension of a JMPD employee identified as ‘Witness K’, following allegations heard at the Madlanga Commission.

The commission is investigating claims that the employee was implicated in the theft of precious gemstones valued at R14.9m during an alleged bogus police raid in 2023.

“Despite Witness K’s arrest, no disciplinary action has been taken against this JMPD officer by the Public Safety Department. We have written to Morero demanding disciplinary action to ensure the public image of the JMPD is protected from these serious allegations, which have clearly brought the Public Safety Department into disrepute,” Maila said.

He added that all JMPD officers should be held to the same standard.

“Morale and honesty are silent yet crucial driving forces that enable the improved execution of JMPD officers’ primary function of serving and protecting the six million residents of the city.

“No officer in the JMPD must be seen to receive special treatment. The rule of law must apply equally to all employees of the city,” he said.

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@southern.courier

Calls are mounting for swift disciplinary action against two JMPD officers after a video showing the alleged assault of a motorist during a traffic stop went viral on social media on July 23. The footage appears to show a male and female JMPD officer stopping a vehicle occupied by a motorist and a passenger. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

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