In a concerning incident, several police officers in KwaZulu-Natal were caught on CCTV camera assaulting a man during an operation in Tongaat on Friday, June 21st. The unprofessional conduct of the officers has prompted an investigation by the provincial police commissioner.
The footage shows a police officer striking the man with an open hand in what appears to be an unprovoked act. Shortly after, several other officers are seen ganging up and attacking the same individual. One officer is even captured kicking the already subdued man and standing on top of him.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has ordered a detailed report on the circumstances leading to the assault. He has also demanded that corrective steps be taken against any officers found to have violated the South African Police Service (SAPS) code of conduct and the Constitution of South Africa.
Mkhwanazi emphasized that during the execution of their duties, police officers must be mindful of the Constitution and the code of conduct, and must strive to uphold the law at all times. He stated that police officers have taken an oath to protect and serve, and should never abuse the power vested in them. The commissioner stressed that communities must feel safe in the presence of police officers, rather than fearful of the very same officers who are supposed to be their source of refuge.
The provincial commissioner made it clear that if the investigation reveals any misconduct by the police officers involved, they will face the consequences of internal corrective measures. He reiterated that no one, including police officers, is above the law.
