IPID arrests two Sunnyside Police Constables for assault

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested two South African Police Service (SAPS) constables for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH). The two suspect policemen stationed at Sunnyside SAPS in Pretoria are alleged to have assaulted a man in police cells. The alleged assault happened at about 19h40 on Friday, 11 October 2013 following the victim’s arrest for being in possession of house breaking implements.
 
It is alleged that the assault by the two policemen started soon after the victim's arrival at the station for detention. The victim was apparently assaulted in the cells until he lost consciousness. Thereafter the policemen allegedly poured water on the victim to resuscitate him. They apparently continued assaulting him after he had regained consciousness.
 
A senior policeman was alerted to the assault when he went to the cells to inspect after hearing the sound of a person screaming. He allegedly found the suspect policemen assaulting the victim and they defied his order to stop the assault. The injured victim was later taken to Tshwane District Hospital where he was admitted for six days.
 
The IPID investigated the incident and arrested the suspects on 20 October 2013 and charged them with Assault GBH. They are currently in detention at Pretoria Central SAPS whilst awaiting their first court appearance on 21 October 2013.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

For enquiries:
IPID National Spokesman
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
mdlamini@ipid.gov.za