JMPD threaten and harass teen

Matthew Stanton was recently harassed and handcuffed by the very same individuals put to protect us. On 8 march, the 17-year-old was riding down CR Swart Road on his way to study with his friend, when he was pulled over by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).

“I was riding on my bike when they stopped me and asked for my licence. I told them I did not have it with me, it was at home and the officer put handcuffs on me. He threatened to arrest me and started going through my backpack. He took the cold drink and food I had in there and passed it to his colleague.”

Stanton said that particular officer was with two of his colleagues o“I was riding on my bike when they stopped me and asked for my licence. I told thn the scene. According to the Grade 11 pupil, they started going through his pockets and asked him for money, “He said ‘I know you have money, give me money’.”

Although he did not get the officer’s name as he did not provide some sort of ID, the teenager said he would be able to recognise his face. During the ordeal, he was handcuffed but never charged or fined.

JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said corruption or brutality is not tolerated at all at JMPD.

“If someone gets stopped by a JMPD officer and they want a bribe, they can immediately open a case with us or call 011 490 1797. We would like to warn motorists that they can also be charged if they pay or offer a bribe. If you would like to report an officer, take down the time and place where they pulled you over as well as their registration number.”