WATCH: Female cops assault woman at local police station
Video footage of two female police officers assaulting a woman at a Free State police station has left South Africans outraged.
According to Krugersdorp News, an investigation into the assault of a woman at a local police station is underway.
The viral video shows a woman being hit, dragged, kicked, and stepped on by two women dressed in police uniform at the Heidedal Police Station.
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The victim was allegedly at the Bloemfontein police station to report a domestic violence case.
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Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane and Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele responded to the incident.
"The matter is currently under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, and, simultaneously, internal investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident," Makhele states.
Despite public outrage, with many calling for the removal of the alleged police officers, SAPS said that disciplinary action must follow due legal processes.
"We understand and respect these concerns. However, it is important to clarify that in accordance with our labour laws, there are established legal and procedural frameworks that govern the suspension or removal of members from their duties. Such actions can only be taken following the outcomes of formal investigations, which will inform management’s decisions appropriately," Makhele explains.
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Makhele also said that while the actions in the viral video are unacceptable, both sides of the story are needed to ensure fairness in the process.
"This includes allowing the involved members the opportunity to provide their side of the story. Understanding the full context, including events that may have occurred prior to the incident captured in the video, is crucial for a comprehensive assessment," he says.
"We assure the public that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves, and appropriate action will be taken based on the investigative findings," Makhele states.
"We appeal to the community to allow due process to unfold and to refrain from spreading unverified information that could compromise the integrity of the investigations," he concludes.
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