Monkey Helpline founder allegedly assaulted by Metro policeman

MONKEY Helpline’s Carol Booth opened up a criminal case against a Metro Police officer after an alleged assault and trespassing at her home in Westville at the weekend.

According to Booth, a co-founder of the non-profit organisation that rescues and rehabilitates vervet monkeys, her cleaner rushed into the kitchen to tell her there were two people on the property.

When she went to investigate, a man, who was later identified as a member of the Metro Police, was already inside her home.

A second officer stood outside.

“I asked him to step outside and he physically shoved me back with his body and told me he could do as he liked. He was taking photos so I put my hand over his phone and asked for a warrant. He then push-punched me. It sent me back against the glass and left my face numb,” said Booth.

She reported that at no time did either of the officers introduce themselves to her, request to enter her property, produce a search warrant or convey the reason for their site inspection. 

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“He was so aggressive and breaking every rule I know. He kept putting his hand on his gun and saying he would arrest me and that I was obstructing him,” said Booth.

Booth said she will be going for counselling to work through the alleged assault. 

“I’m sad as we have a really good relationship with Metro SAPS. The very people we are supposed to be getting support from and this happens. This has really has upset me. I am terrified. I heard a noise at the gate and I thought to myself ‘this man is coming back’ and I was afraid,” said Booth.

Senior Superintendent and spokesman for Metro Police, Parboo Sewpersad, said he advised Booth to submit a formal complaint to him via email that would be submitted to the internal investigations department as well as lay a criminal charge against the said officer at her local police station.      

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting