Cape Town - The Lutzville community along the West Coast say they have had enough of police allegedly taking the law into their own hands, reporting two recent incidents of suspects allegedly being assaulted to police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to investigate.
According to local community police forum representative, Davine Witbooi, there have been various incidents of suspects assaulted while in custody.
Ipid confirmed it was investigating two incidents.
Witbooi said about two weeks ago, a suspect was arrested and detained. His parents learnt of his arrest and alleged assault during the arrest, and went to the police station the next day to check on him.
“When they got to the police station, officers apparently didn’t want to give them any information on the wellbeing of their son.
“According to information, the suspect had wanted to report stolen goods of his at the police station, but when he got there, somehow a confrontation happened as police allegedly didn’t want to register his case. They told him to go look for the person who stole his stuff and then come back again,” said Witbooi.
The man then left after being unsuccessful in laying a case.
“Witnesses then saw police allegedly driving after the young man as he approached a nearby fuel station. They got out and apparently started beating him in broad daylight and for no reason.
They then arrested him and took him back to the police station and we still do not know on what charges he was arrested,” said Witbooi.
In another case of alleged police brutality, a suspect was found in possession of a firearm and detained.
“When the 24-year-old suspect was in the dock, one could see he was in a lot of pain, he reported that he was assaulted by police officers while being detained,” said Witbooi.
Police spokesperson, Frederick van Wyk said: “(These) are both assault common cases made by the suspect of a possession of firearm case. He alleged that the policemen assaulted him. The other one was for (the) possession of (a) dangerous weapon and resisting arrest”.
Ipid spokesperson, Lizzy Suping confirmed both cases were referred and were under investigation.
“Both dockets are registered as assault cases. Our investigation will look into all aspects related to the allegations and we will pronounce on its outcome once the investigation is complete,” said Suping.
According to Witbooi, many similar cases had been reported.
“But it’s as if nothing gets done and the community has had enough. The cases being reported to police aren’t being taken as seriously as they should and have broken down the trust between the community and the very service that is responsible and mandated to ensure our safety and security,” said Witbooi.
Cape Times