By Doreen Mokgolo
- A woman went to report her abusive boyfriend at the police station but was beaten up by two female police officers instead.
- Police Minister praised IPID for quickly arresting the officers who were caught on video beating the defenceless woman.
Two female police officers have been arrested for beating up a woman who came to report her abusive boyfriend at Heidedal Police Station in Bloemfontein.
The woman went to the station for help on 19 January after her boyfriend broke his protection order. But instead of getting help, she was attacked.
A video that spread on social media shows a sergeant and a constable beating and dragging the helpless woman through the police station’s corridors.
The officers are now behind bars. They face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu praised the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for acting quickly to arrest the officers.
“We welcome the arrests of the officers. Any form of misconduct or abuse of power within the South African Police Service will not be tolerated,” he said.
“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens. Any actions that betray this responsibility will be met with the full might of the law.
“We assure the public that due process will take its course and that the SAPS remains committed to ethical policing and accountability.”
Mchunu said people must always feel safe when they go to a police station for help.
“We commend IPID for its decisive action in ensuring that allegations of police misconduct are thoroughly investigated,” he said.
Pictured above: Police badge.
Source: File
