Authorities that aim to uphold the values of the badge that they wear also accept the added scrutiny that comes with it.
Read initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2020/08/24/jmpd-officer-under-investigation-for-alleged-assault-while-off-duty/
Unfortunately, more vindictive members of the public may look to abuse this additional weight and test the temperament of those entrusted to protect the community. Shortly after midnight on Sunday, 16 August, a heated and seemingly protracted domestic dispute erupted outside a residential block in Davidsonville.
A 15-year-old girl was left with severe facial wounds after allegedly being attacked by two women, one of them the victim claims to be an active Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer. The officer who is alleged to have been involved was off duty at the time, but the victim’s family believe the person who wears the badge of authority as a profession acted in a manner contrary to her trusted position.
However, a witness has come forward to claim that the behaviour of the minor and her mother led directly to the incident, with accusations of underage drinking, inflammatory language and overt acts of aggression. The witness claims that the JMPD officer was acting to protect her sister who had began to brawl with the minor.
“The officer did not attack or hit the 15-year-old girl, she helped pull the fight apart,” claimed the witness.
The fight broke out after the minor allegedly hurled profanities at the officer and her sister as they were preparing to leave. They were further enraged when the minor allegedly broke a glass object in their vicinity, sparking the scuffle.
Both parties were at the Roodepoort Police Station with a case of assault confirmed to have been opened by the mother of the minor. The JMPD officer is believed to have opened her own case but was not willing to disclose any further information.
She has also sought legal advice regarding the possibly defamatory claims and has been instructed not to discuss them further as they are still being investigated. Law-enforcement authorities operate under extreme stress and could be seen as a soft target when a member of the public suspects weakness.
JMPD counter this by offering a vehicle for staff to vent their frustrations.
“JMPD has an Employee Assistance Programme which provides counselling and support to JMPD officers. A qualified chaplain is aligned to the programme,” stated JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
“As the community we should protect our JMPD officers who get attacked and blamed for situations that are not in their control,” believed the witness, adding, “The mother should apologise for telling lies.” Much was said about the responsibility carried by an officer of the law, but members of the public too have a responsibility to treat one another with respect.
