Two metro police assault incidents in just four days

Two incidents of alleged assault by metro police officers in four days have been reported in Edenvale, East Rand, Bedfordview and Edenvale News reports.

The first incident occurred on March 12. It is alleged that a motorist was assaulted by an EMPD officer after the officer claimed that the motorist had failed to stop at a stop street along Terrace Road.

Sergeant Sharon Tsotsotso spokesperson of the Sebenza police said: “Two cases of common assault were opened following the incident.”

She said both the motorist and the EMPD officer opened cases against each other.

Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfred Kgasago, the EMPD’s spokesperson, said: “Although the EMPD is unaware of the March 12 incident, the matter will be investigated, and we urge motorist to come forward and also contact the EMPD.

READ MORE: WATCH: White man slaps black cop for giving him traffic fine

A video posted on Facebook shows the most recent incident where a motorist is assaulted by a man who appears to be an EMPD officer.

Sergeant Jacob Mashile, acting spokesperson of the Edenvale police, said: “The motorist opened a case of common assault at the Edenvale Police Station against the officer.”

Kgasago said the EMPD is aware of the March 15 incident and is currently investigating the matter. He said the investigation began on March 15 and that once the officer has been successfully identified and his statement taken, the investigation will continue.

“The compiled information and the recommendations from the investigation will be given to the EMPD’s chief of staff who will make a decision based on all the information,” said Kgasago.

Mashile said it was vital for the outcome of the case that the identity of the suspect remains unknown to ensure the investigations were not jeopardised.

Diederick Stopforth, a Facebook user, posted the video below that has generated a heated debate.

According to TimesLive, Stopforth uploaded a video of himself approaching the officer‚ who is not wearing a badge‚ along with a running commentary about how the officer took away his licence and refused to give it back. The officer lashes out‚ slapping the phone to the ground.

It is alleged Stopforth told TMG Digital that the officer had initially stopped him and asked why he was overtaking a stationary truck.

“I told him I have to overtake the truck because I cannot drive through it, and I can’t just stand there, otherwise I will block the intersection,” said Stopforth.

He said the traffic officer’s body language was not friendly.

– Caxton News Service

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