CAPE TOWN – The management of the SAPS in the Western Cape has learnt with concern of a video circulating on social media platforms depicting two naked men being assaulted by community members with a South African Police Service vehicle in the background. The video also shows a member of the SAPS standing next to the vehicle, which later reverses from the scene. It is on this basis an internal investigation has been instituted.
Upon being alerted to the video on Saturday, the SAPS management immediately initiated an internal probe which has thus far revealed the following:
* the incident occurred on 25 February 2021 at the N2 Gateway in Delft at approximately 6:50 in the morning.
* one of the assault victims died in hospital shortly after the attack while the other sustained serious injury.
* six men were subsequently charged for murder and attempted murder following the assault. Their case is currently running in court and the suspects’ next appearance will be on 09 May 2021.
The internal probe is currently focussing on the police’s initial response to the crime scene in an effort to determine whether the first responders acted accordingly from the time they arrived on the scene of crime. Also whether the police on the scene asked for backup and what transpired thereafter.
The investigation is also looking into what else occurred on the scene that the video did not capture.
The investigation is undertaken from the office of the provincial commissioner and led by Major General Vincent Beaton.
The Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thembisile Patekile condemns all forms of vigilantism as they constitute crime that is punishable by law. Major General Patekile further urges communities to work with the police in tackling acts of criminality instead of taking the law into their own hands. He undertakes to deal decisively with police officials who are found to have abdicated their responsibilities, as the outcome of the investigation is awaited.
Source: South African Police Service