KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner wants an inquiry into officers’ conduct after a viral video showed a man being attacked during an operation in Tongaat. (Screenshot)
- The Kwazulu-Natal police commissioner is demanding answers after video footage went viral on social media of police officers attacking a man.
- In the footage, one officer can be seen continuously kicking the man.
- The commissioner wants a detailed report.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has asked for a probe after video footage of officers attacking a man during an operation in Tongaat on Friday went viral on social media.
Mkhwanazi described the incident as “irresponsible and unprofessional”.
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“In the video footage, a police officer can be seen hitting a man with an open hand in what appeared to be an unprovoked act. A little later on, several other police officers ganged up on the same victim and attacked him,” he said.
“One officer can be seen in the video kicking the man who was already down and stood on top of him.”
Mkhwanazi demanded a detailed report on the incident.
The police commissioner warned that during the execution of their duties, police officers must be mindful of the Constitution and the code of conduct and that they must strive to uphold the law at all times.
Mkhwanazi said:
Police officers took an oath to protect and serve and as such they must never abuse the powers vested upon them. Communities must be and feel safe in the presence of police officers and not be fearful of the very same officers who are supposed to be their source of refuge.
“Police can only retaliate with a proportional, minimum force if they find themselves under any form of attack.”
If the report points wrongdoing on the part of the officers, they will be dealt with internally, he said.
“No one is above the law, and that includes police officers.”
Warda Meyer
www.news24.com
