The victims of an assault by VIP Unit police officers, in a viral video, have been identified.
In the footage, the officers are seen kicking the victims and dragging one of the men while brandishing rifles.
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Police distanced themselves from the conduct and behaviour shown in the video in a statement released on Monday afternoon. They added that they were looking for the victims and that the behaviour did not align with the values and code of conduct of the SA Police Service.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe of the police said in a statement early on Tuesday that the victims, who were in a VW Polo, had been located.
Search for victims seen assaulted by reportedly South African Police Service (SAPS) members https://t.co/Sj3E0h0wjQ #ArriveAlive #Crime #RoadRage #VIPProtection @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/X8ZVkCfSLE
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 4, 2023
‘The process to obtain their statements continues as part of the probe,’ said Mathe.
A group of heavily armed officers can be seen disembarking from two black BMW X5s in the video, dragging a man, and then allegedly assaulting him.
The older victim runs away from the attack while the single victim lies on the road, unable to move because she has no shoes on.
They do not respond to the ongoing assault by taking action.
The police officers quickly got back into their posh cars after the assault and drove off.
Mathe said the police officers involved have also been identified and will be subjected to internal processes.
‘Management of the SAPS views this as serious and will get to the bottom of this incident.’
They must be fired and arrested #VIPProtection pic.twitter.com/6OqYGtlgbc
— Battalion 54 (@54Battalion) July 4, 2023
General Fannie Masemola, the national commissioner of the SAPS, has denounced these individuals’ actions.
‘Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner. Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstance,’ said Masemola.
Robbie Raburabu, a spokesman for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, confirmed that assault allegations against the police officers were being looked into.
‘We will be issuing a statement soon.’
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Picture: Screenshot of Video