Locals are abuzz with theories after a video was shared on Twitter of a woman being manhandled and arrested in the Melkbaai Road, Strand area this morning [May 22].
A video shared today on Twitter has enraged and frightened many residents. It shows a woman arguing with a police officer on the sidewalk in the Strand area before she is pulled and pushed towards a police vehicle with her arm twisted behind her back.
She appears to be trying to frantically make a phone call when three officers surround her and push her against the side of the vehicle.
Many are angry after watching the video as they feel the woman was treated terribly and inhumanly during the arrest.
“I would open a case of harassment and false arrest. Seriously South Africa wake the F up!!! This is a violation of numerous rights…with so many advocates working Pro Bono over this time take this abuse to court,” commented one local on Twitter.
“There no excuses for inhuman behaviour. All people should be treated with dignity and respect,” said another.
Some criticised the police in the video for not properly wearing their protective gear.
RECEIVED from a member of public, who wishes to remain anonymous:
This reportedly took place around 07h45, Friday May 22, 2020.
Location: Melkbaai Road, Strand, east of Cape Town.@SAPoliceService formally requested to advise on the arrest and charges. To follow when received. pic.twitter.com/YYgXrqRM8Z
— MURRAY WILLIAMS (@MurrayRSA) May 22, 2020
UPDATE 5:
From Strand police station – where the woman forcibly arrested by police this morning, has now been:
Released.
Detectives could find no reason to charge her. pic.twitter.com/Zrykxn4qr7
— MURRAY WILLIAMS (@MurrayRSA) May 22, 2020
Western Cape police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa has since released a statement on the incident confirming that provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Yolisa Matakata has ordered an investigation into the conduct of the police officials effecting the arrest.
“Upon being alerted to the video and subsequent viewing of the clip, the police officials were interviewed and the basis for the arrest is yet to be determined. Preliminary findings indicate that after being taken to Strand police station, the woman was released as detectives could find no basis for her to be charged,” said Potelwa.
She also address the conduct of police officials in the statement.
“As the investigations into the conduct of police officials progresses, police members are cautioned about regards for the rights of other persons. Courtesy, fairness and treating all persons with dignity is part of police training and orientation. Police members are regularly reminded of internal organisational prescripts that prohibit unbecoming conduct on the part of police officials, especially when interacting with members of the public,” the statement reads.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) revealed that since March 26 to April 2, 163 cases have been reported against the Western Cape police. Of these cases, 83 were directly linked to lockdown operations.
Speaking at a briefing on police, security and police brutality in the COVID-19 oversight committee in the Western Cape legislature on Wednesday May 6, IPID’s Western Cape head, Thabo Leholo said that these cases relate to:
– Two deaths as a result of police action: the death of Petrus Miggels from Uitsig, Cape Town who was allegedly beaten up by police for purchasing alcohol on the first day of lockdown, and passed away from sustained injuries soon after. The other refers to the accidental shooting of a protestor as police fired warning shots to disperse a protest crowd. An investigation is underway
– 52 cases of assault
– 30 cases of police discharging their firearms.
According to Leholo, reports from the public claim that some Western Cape police have used weapons such as sjamboks, hammers and irons to assault people.
Also read: Over 80 compaints lodged against WC police in lockdown
Picture: Twitter