JMPD officer under investigation for alleged assault while off duty

Individuals in a position of authority carry with them a power and responsibility unattainable by most they interact with.

Even when not acting in their roles as custodians and protectors of their fellow citizens, they are observed as examples to the greater community.

An early-morning domestic incident in the courtyard of a Davidsonville residential development, when an off-duty Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer allegedly was involved in the assault of a 15-year-old girl, has raised questions around how a person entrusted with watchdog status is expected to reacts to incidents of stress and excessive emotion.

The female officer, who has a personal connection to her alleged victim, is accused of violently assaulting the minor on the morning of 16 August. Based on accounts of events from those involved, a verbal disagreement escalated to a physical confrontation that is also alleged to have included the officer’s sister.

“My mom had gone upstairs and when I was walking away to go home they came after me,” alleged the young woman.

After hearing that her daughter had been attacked, the mother of the minor unleashed a primal retaliatory response. “If you have children of your own then you will know,” said the mother of the victim.

The 15-year-old was left with several facial scars that even a week after the incident were still clearly visible. However, the events of the previous evening prompted both parties to seek the services of Roodepoort Police, with the mother and the young girl being startled to find their combatant already at the station.

Roodepoort Police spokesperson Captain Juanita Yorke, confirmed that a case of assault was opened by the family of the minor. “We don’t want her to lose her job, we just want people to know. “Why is an adult woman in her position doing this to a young girl?” the mother asked.

The aggrieved family members were most troubled, however, by their assailant allegedly boasting, “I am untouchable because I’m a Metro cop”.

JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed that it was not his Department’s jurisdiction, saying “The JMPD officer was off duty, so it is a criminal case for alleged assault, which will be investigated by police”.

Attempts to reach the affected officer have been unsuccessful as neither the affected party nor neighbours could assist with contact details. The incident is currently under investigation, so should a members of the community wish to share their version of events, they are encouraged to do so via the appropriate channels.

Members of the various policing branches are not perfect, but they are gifted with an important role that is valued by the majority of the community.

“They are meant to protect us,” was the overarching sentiment of the mother and her young daughter.