IPID investigates Ficksburg based journalist assault allegations

It is alleged that on the 15 May 2020 an adult male who is a journalist based in Ficksburg area in the Free State Province was assaulted by the members of South African Police Service (SAPS) during the Covid-19 operations. It is further alleged that after the assault the journalist went to the local police station to lodge an assault criminal case docket against the police members. We were also made aware that the police laid a counter criminal case docket against the journalist. The criminal charge against the journalist is believed to be contravention of Covid-19 regulations. Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the journalist criminal case against the police. On Monday, 18 May 2020 our investigator met with the journalist at his aunt’s place and after the meeting an agreement was reached for a follow up meeting that the two should meet the following day or Wednesday, 20 May 2020. However, when our investigator was trying to make contact and he could not reach the journalist as his mobile is always off. His relatives are not divulging the complainant’s whereabouts. Up to so far IPID is not aware of any danger on the journalist’s life. It is important to state that our investigator advised the complainant to call him in case he require any form of assistance which never happened. However, IPID is committed that as soon as we find and confirm with him about any imminent danger on his life we are willing to engage the relevant government stakeholders to arrange for his safety. IPID is appealing to the journalist to make contact with our investigator as soon as possible as this will assist in speeding up the investigations. We have not yet made any arrest as we are still gathering enough evidence which upon completion the case will be presented to the National Prosecutions Authority for decision.

Issued by Independent Police Investigative Directorate

Tel 012 399 0092/50,

Mobile: 079 433 2663,

Email: sseisa@ipid.gov.za,

Date: 20 May 2020,

Time: 19:26