Allegations of assault at Edenvale Police Station followed the arrest of two DA ward councillors.
Also read: Edenvale SAPS condemns misconduct by its members
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Kay Makhubela said the councillors were arrested for assaulting police officers and interfering in police business. The arrest was made on the evening of August 10.
Also read: Rights violated at police station
“An investigation into the matter is underway,” said Makhubela.
Also read: IPID – The leading authority in investigations against SAPS members
Ward 17 Clr Simon Lapping said he and Ward 104 Clr Tracy Lourenco were at the police station assisting community members to open a case before they were arrested.
Also read: IPID – How to report a case against officers
Lourenco alleged that the officers were not assisting the community members and that they behaved in an arrogant manner.
“The officers attacked Lourenco when she started filming them and threw her in a cell,” said Lapping.
“They then jumped me and also threw me in a cell.”
“Lourenco was punched, kicked and stomped on. A door was slammed on Lapping,” said DA deputy chief whip and MP Mike Waters.
Lourenco said she has a chipped bone and a detached ligament and is walking with crutches as a result of the assault.
She said her daughter and sister, who were with her at the police station, were also injured and covered in bruises.
Waters said cases have been opened against the police and with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
He said Lapping and Lourenco will appear at the Edenvale court on August 14. The NEWS will report on tomorrow’s court proceedings.
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