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 later this month.

Constables Sakhile Mathaba, Mlondolozi Khalipha and Nkateko Hlogwane, and Sergeant Sibusiso Shabangu appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court last week Wednesday, where the case was postponed.

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

They were granted bail of R5 000 each on February 10 after their arrests at work on February 1 by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

According to Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping, the four were initially charged with assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice.

Suping says 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,” explains Suping.

Protest

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

Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed to Boksburg Advertiser the officers are back at work.

Their next court appearance is set for April 28.