Two female cops arrested in Bloemfontein for assault
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested two female police officers accused of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein.
The officers, a Constable and a Sergeant, were arrested on Thursday after footage of them went viral on social media, showing them assaulting a woman inside the police station.
The assault is said to have taken place on the 19th of January this year.
The victim reportedly approached the police for assistance after her boyfriend had allegedly violated a protection order.
Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi says the two officers are currently in custody and are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court today.
"Having issued a statement condemning the actions of the police officers, Minister Mchunu welcomed the arrests and maintained that any form of misconduct or abuse of power within the South African Police Service (SAPS) would not be tolerated.
"Law enforcement officers are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens. Any actions that betray this responsibility will be met with the full might of the law. We assure the public that due process will take its course and that the SAPS remains committed to ethical policing and accountability", says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
"The safety and dignity of every person seeking assistance at a police station must be upheld at all times. We commend IPID for its decisive action in ensuring that allegations of police misconduct are thoroughly investigated".
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