Policeman convicted after detaining man in dog cage

A Ulundi man who was assaulted and locked in a dog cage has received justice after the policeman responsible was convicted of assault and crimen injuria.

Constable Zamokwakhe Buthelezi (36) was convicted by the Mahlabathini Magistrate’s Court last Thursday after being charged by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in KZN for the 2021 incident.

The court heard how Mzweleni Mabaso (39) was assaulted, arrested, and placed in a dog cage of the SAPS K9 unit vehicle to be transported to the police station, where it was later established he was not the suspect police were looking for.

He was released without being charged. Buthelezi was convicted of assault and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment or to pay a fine of R2 500.

He was sentenced to a further two months in prison or a fine of R1 500 for crimen injuria.

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