Victims of N1 police assault traced successfully
In the clip, a group of officers are seen alighting from two black BMW X5s before they drag a man, presumed to be the driver of a blue VW Polo, before assaulting him.
The SAPS successfully traced the victims who were assaulted by members of the protection services in Gauteng near Fourways.
In a video doing the rounds on social media, several police officers are seen assaulting civilians on the N1.
The assault reportedly took place on Monday.
In the clip, a group of officers are seen alighting from two black BMW X5s before they drag a man, presumed to be the driver of a blue VW Polo, before assaulting him.
The rest of the officers, some armed with assault rifles and firearms, continue to allegedly assault the man, who appears unconscious.
Two other male passengers were also assaulted. The officers are seen getting back into their vehicles before driving off.
The two passengers stand up while the driver remains motionless on the ground. A woman can be seen getting out of the blue vehicle, but she quickly gets back inside the car.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the three victims were found.
“The process to obtain their statements continues as part of the probe.
“The police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes.
“SAPS management views this as serious and will get to the bottom of this incident,” Mathe said.
She said a preliminary report showed that the vehicles seen in the video belonged to the SAPS, and the men seen in the video were SAPS members.
“While the internal departmental investigation into the conduct of the members is underway, the SAPS distances itself from the conduct and behaviour depicted in the video, which does not align with the values and code of conduct of the SAPS.
“The code outlines the values and principles that all SAPS members are expected to uphold, including integrity, professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights,” Mathe said.
DA’s shadow police minister Andrew Whitfield said the incident was greatly disturbing to witness members of the protection unit displaying such behaviour.
“The brutal and unwarranted attack by half a dozen heavily armed men, allegedly SAPS members, on unarmed motorists cannot be condoned,” said Whitfield.
He further said that the lawlessness and perpetuation of violence meted against innocent civilians must not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has also condemned the officers’ behaviour.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner.
“Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,” said Masemola.
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