The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, commends the swift action taken by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in arresting two female police officers accused of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein.
The officers, a Constable and a Sergeant, were arrested yesterday, after footage of them assaulting a woman inside a police station went viral on social media; the assault took place on 19 January 2025. The victim had reportedly approached the police for assistance after her boyfriend allegedly violated a protection order. The two officers are currently in custody and are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court today, 7 February 2025.
Having issued a statement condemning the actions of the police officers, Minister Mchunu welcomed the arrests and maintained that any form of misconduct or abuse of power within the South African Police Service (SAPS) would not be tolerated. In commenting on the arrests, Mr Mchunu said the following: “Law enforcement officers are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens. Any actions that betray this responsibility will be met with the full might of the law. We assure the public that due process will take its course and that the SAPS remains committed to ethical policing and accountability. The safety and dignity of every person seeking assistance at a police station must be upheld at all times. We commend IPID for its decisive action in ensuring that allegations of police misconduct are thoroughly investigated”.
For more information, contact Ministry Spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi on 076 523 0085. For media releases, speeches and news visit the SAPS portal at: www.saps.gov.za
