Police accused of brutality

Allegations of police brutality have been made against two police officers.

According to a source, who wishes to remain  anonymous out of fear of victimisation, two police officers assaulted a man  outside a bar situated in Ncandu Park and apparently took place on Thursday evening, September 26.

The source claims he had been standing outside the bar, where he noticed a vehicle parked outside.
“While I was standing there, a police vehicle drove past, which is a normal sight as police often patrol the area.”
However, the source claimed things took a sour turn when the police vehicle apparently slowed down and turned towards the
parked vehicle and stopped. “The two officers then jumped out, pulled the man inside the vehicle out, handcuffed him and started kicking him,” said the source.

The eyewitness added that the abuse was not restricted to kicking only, but pepper spray was used as well.
“When I asked them what they were doing, I was told not to interfere and that they were arresting the man for drinking in public. But why they had to assault him like that for such a small crime is beyond me.”

After the police had allegedly beaten and assaulted the man, he was taken to the police station where he was apparently charged for
drinking in public. “I just want to know, he was laying on the ground with handcuffs on, did they really have to hurt him like that?” asked the eyewitness.

Captain Shooz Magudulela, spokesperson for Newcastle SAPS cluster, claimed that while he was unaware of the situation, he said that it was
important a case was opened. “If a person has been arrested and they feel they have been abused by the arresting police officers, they must open a case so that it can be investigated.”

According to Captain Magudulela, by opening a case, a statement would then be taken and the matter would be investigated by
the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
“We cannot investigate ourselves, but it is crucial a case is opened.”