Four Katlehong cops arrested for alleged murder

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating four SAPS officers from the Katlehong North Police Station after they were arrested for the murder of 48-year-old Phikolomzi Tatsi and the assault of two others, reports Kathorus Mail.

IPID spokesperson Moses Dlamini confirmed to journalists that the four arrested on March 18 were two sergeants and two constables. The officers were arrested after IPID investigators visited a crime scene following police action which allegedly led to the death of a man under police custody at the Katlehong North Police Station on March 10.

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“It is alleged that the two constables from the Katlehong North SAPS stopped a Toyota Verso with six family members inside. The officers suspected the driver of the vehicle to be under the influence of alcohol.

“It is alleged the officers tried to arrest the driver, but the man resisted the arrest,” Dlamini explained.

Police backup was called and soon other police vehicles arrived at the scene. The man and two of his fellow travellers were arrested and taken to the Katlehong North Police Station.

“It is alleged that on their arrival at the police station, the three men were severely assaulted by at least five officers,” said Dlamini.

After the assault, Dlamini said the three men were placed in the back of a police van and driven to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus to have their blood drawn to determine their sobriety. He said they were also assaulted in the van.

Once at the hospital, the driver of the Toyota Verso was taken to a medical doctor while the other two men were left locked in the back of the police van.

“One of the males died in the back of the police vehicle and was certified dead by a medical doctor. The post-mortem results of the deceased and medical evidence of the other two other men revealed they had all been severely assaulted,” said Dlamini.

IPID has vowed that those police officers who violated the law would be held accountable.

The accused appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate Court on a charge of murder, and two of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on March 20 for formal remand.

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