Four Tactical Team Response members from Sabie in Mpumalanga were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R3000 for assault by Rabie Magistrate’s Court. The sentence was wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that they are found guilty of a similar offence during the period of suspension.

Alcan Wati (44), Muzi Masele, (42) and Sipho Taledi (43), all Sergeants, were sentenced for an incident that happened on 15 August 2023. Sello Zabane and Witness Makudu were driving their vehicle at around 10h30, heading home, when he was stopped by the police officers.

The police officers searched his vehicle while pointing firearms at him and the passenger. They pulled Zabane and Makudu out of the car, and assaulted them by punching and kicking them.

The incident was reported to IPID for investigation and the police officers were charged, convicted and sentenced for assault.

Media enquiries:

Lizzy Suping 
060 525 2822 
lsuping@ipid.gov.za   

Phaladi Shuping
078 459 7772
pshuping@ipid.gov.za

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)