A woman has alleged that she was assaulted by a police officer while visiting a detained family member at the Springs Police Station on March 4. The allegations surfaced in a social media post circulating online.

According to the woman, the incident allegedly occurred near the station’s holding cells. The woman said she and her daughter had been visiting a detained relative earlier that morning. When visiting time ended, officers instructed those present to leave the area.

She claims that while she was gathering her belongings to exit, a female officer began pushing her toward the exit.

“I told her that I had a broken foot and asked her not to push me,” the woman said.

She alleged that as they approached the steps near the exit gate, the officer pushed her down the steps. According to the woman, the situation escalated once they were outside the building.

“She started hitting and slapping me,” she said.

She claims she sustained several injuries during the incident, including a black eye, a cut on her forehead and two broken fingers. She further alleged that her earrings were ripped out during the altercation.

The woman also claimed that her cellphone screen was damaged and that her car keys were taken before being returned. Her daughter, who was present at the time, allegedly witnessed the incident and attempted to seek assistance from a senior officer at the station.

The woman claims they were told they could open a case, but that it would likely not lead anywhere. She added that they asked to speak to the station commander but were informed that they were was not present at the time.

The woman also alleged that the officer used foul language towards both her and her daughter. Springs police spokesperson Sergeant Charity Zwane confirmed that the station is aware of the allegations.

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“The matter has come to the attention of station management and is being taken seriously,” Zwane said.

Zwane confirmed that a docket has been opened and that the matter is under investigation.

“The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident will form part of the investigation to determine the facts,” she said.

She also confirmed that the officer is stationed at Springs SAPS. Zwane added that the station has launched an internal investigation.

“The investigation is currently underway. SAPS remains committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining public trust,” she said.