Update: Police Brutality Investigated

Media Release by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Following the incident of police brutality yesterday morning that was filmed and distributed via social media today, I welcome the swift action of Western Cape Police Commissioner, General Arno Lamoer in suspending those officers involved.

General Lamoer’s immediate suspension of the SAPS officers and the opening of criminal charges against the officers is commendable. It shows that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in the South African Police Service and has no place in a constitutional democracy.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will still need to do a full independent investigation into this matter.

The police are there to protect us, and if they fail to do so, we must speak up. Members of the public are encouraged to call our 24/7 policing complaints hotline should they wish to report any poor policing in their community on 021 483 4332.