Mkhwanazi orders probe on assault incident captured on CCTV

KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says if the officers captured on CCTV assaulting a man are wrong they will face the music.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has ordered a probe into what he says is irresponsible and unprofessional conduct by police officers who were captured on CCTV camera assaulting a civilian.

The incident happened during an operation in Tongaat on Friday night, 21 June.

MKHWANAZI WANTS DETAILED REPORT ON VIRAL CCTV FOOTAGE INVOLVING KZN POLICE

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said in the video footage a police officer can be seen hitting a man with an open hand in what appeared to be an unprovoked act.

“A little later on, several other police officers ganged up on the same victim and attacked him. One officer can be seen in the video kicking the man who was already down and stood on top of him,” he explained.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has since demanded a detailed report on what led to the attack on the man.

He also ordered corrective steps to be taken against those officers who will be found to have acted against the SAPS Code of Conduct and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

‘NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW’

Mkhwanazi said that police officers must be mindful of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct and strive to uphold the law at all times when executing their duties.

He said police officers took an oath to protect and serve, and as such, they must never abuse the powers vested in them.

“Communities must feel safe in the presence of police officers and not be fearful of the very same officers who are supposed to be their source of refuge. Police can only retaliate with a proportional, minimum force if they find themselves under any attack, ” he said.

In addition, the Provincial Commissioner said if the report points out certain wrongdoings by police officers, the officers concerned will face the wrath of internal corrective measures.

“No one is above the law, including police officers.”

source:Mkhwanazi orders probe on assault incident captured on CCTV (thesouthafrican.com)