By Doreen Mokgolo
A police officer at Tsakani Police Station in Ekurhuleni attacked two siblings who woke her while trying to report a case of assault early on Saturday morning.
Zanabo Buthelezi went to report an assault but found the charge office empty. There were two officers in a nearby room: one was eating while the other was sleeping at her desk.
After waiting over an hour, Zanabo and her brother Zakhele Zitha asked how long they’d have to wait. This angered the officer who had been asleep.
A viral video shows the officer threatening Zakhele before slapping him. She then ordered other officers to stop Zanabo from leaving and attacked her too.
Zanabo began fearing for her life after receiving calls from people pretending to be police officers, threatening her.
She went into hiding and refused to speak to Scrolla.Africa but agreed after being escorted to the station by police officers to make a statement.
“I was vulnerable and needed police protection but was further abused by them,” Zanabo told Scrolla.Africa.
“Even when we returned on Saturday morning to open a case, we were victimised by other officers who initially refused to open the case and boasted that it would not go anywhere.”
The case was only opened after the family called senior officers.
On Sunday night, two unidentified officers came looking for Zanabo.
“They refused to show my sister name tags to identify themselves. My sister refused to talk to them.
“The unmarked car kept circling the block searching for Zakhele whom they saw running away, and it was soon followed by another car. My older sister warned me to run to safety,” she said.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesman Phaladi Shuping confirmed they are investigating the officer.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national SAPS spokesperson, responded to the incident on X.
“The SAPS condemns the behaviour of this female officer – it is unacceptable and won’t be condoned. The SAPS confirms that a case of assault and crimen injuria is under investigation. The provincial commissioner of GP confirms that internal departmental processes are underway,” she posted.
South Africa has one of the highest numbers of assaults against women by men in the world, with at least 200 women being killed this year alone.
Pictured above: Victim Zanabo Buthelezi.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
