Ekurhuleni’s ANC chief whip, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, visited the family of a woman who was allegedly attacked by an EMPD officer a few weeks ago, last Tuesday, at her Elspark home.
The video of the altercation between the victim and officer went viral on social media.
It is alleged the woman was slapped and punched in the face by the EMPD officer, leaving her nose fractured, because she asked the officer to wear his mask while speaking to her.
The purpose of the chief whip’s visit to the family was to meet with the family and victim to discuss what happened and to also offer an apology to the woman and her family.
Dlabathi expressed his disappointment and said the incident should not have happened.
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“We continue to discourage any form of abuse of a woman, especially by our EMPD officers.
“Of course, we are worried that the officer continues to be in service following such an incident, but this is a matter we will take up with the institution,” said Dlabathi.
He said the officer’s conduct should not be seen as a reflection of the EMPD overall.
“Out of a large number of officers, one officer can spoil the confidence of the entire office they are upholding.
“So, we agree that re-training of some of them is needed to remind the officers of the code of conduct and how they should deal with difficult situations,” said Dlabathi.
The family of the victim said they are deeply hurt by the incident.
“The family is not okay, but we are supporting one another through the trauma.
“My sister is still traumatised, but is healing.
“We are getting advice from our lawyers as we just want justice for the violence that she experienced,” said the victim’s brother, Khaya Ngidi.
Dlabathi said the case is being handled by IPID.
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The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has called for the immediate suspension of the officer accused of assaulting the woman while there is a pending investigation into the case.
“We are disappointed to learn that the accused officer is still reporting for duty even though his conduct is under investigation by IPID.
“This unethical conduct by a metro police officer cannot be tolerated.
“It is worrying that a metro police officer who has a duty to prevent crime and ensure the safety of women is committing this crime,” said Michael Shackleton, DA Gauteng spokesperson for community safety.
The DA has called on the Gauteng Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko, to ensure that the accused EMPD officer is suspended while the investigation is pending so as to ensure that he does not jeopardise the investigation.
They further called on Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Mzwandile Masina, to ensure that they maintain discipline within the EMPD.
Shackleton said they will continue to monitor the progress with regards to the investigation into this incident to ensure that the law takes its course and that the victim gets the justice she deserves.
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