LIMPOPO police management strongly condemned an attack on tavern patrons in Tickyline, outside Lenyenye, by police last Saturday.
According to patrons of Judas Tavern, police officials led by the tactical response team, popularly known as Amaberete (men in berets), allegedly stormed the tavern without provocation.
The victims told CV that the police officials ordered them to lie down on the floor and then started to kick them. They said the officials also poured liquor over them.
Provincial police spokesperson, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, said the top brass viewed this incident in a very serious light.
“Police officials are supposed to uphold the law and protect the citizens of South Africa. Unsavoury behaviour from the custodians of law will never be tolerated,” he said.
Mulaudzi said Limpopo police management appointed an investigator in line with internal police procedures. The investigator would look into the matter.
“If the investigator finds any wrongdoing that constitutes misconduct, the proper steps will be taken and this might lead to action against the officials involved,” he explained.
Limpopo police commissioner, Lt Genl Fannie Masemola, said he would not tolerate “unbecoming behaviour” from any police official. He said it was important that residents felt safe in the presence of the police and not run away whenever they saw a police uniform.
“Our duty is to serve and protect. We strive for justice. We cannot be found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
“Not all police officials engage in trivial acts of irresponsible policing, but the few who put our name in disrepute, must be dealt with,” a fuming Masemola said.
He thanked the residents who blew the whistle on this incident and said the community was the watch dog of the police.
“It is every citizen’s right to expose any wrongdoing by police officials.”
