Mpumalanga police probe incident after cop caught on video beating man at Volksrust station | News24

A police constable at the Volksrust station in Mpumalanga was caught on camera assaulting a man.

• A police constable in Mpumalanga was caught on video beating a bare-chested man at the Volksrust police station on 2 April.
• The victim was slapped repeatedly and dragged inside the station in front of bystanders and other officers.
• Police have launched both an internal and criminal investigation into the officer’s actions.

Mpumalanga police are conducting both internal and criminal investigations into a constable who was caught on camera attacking a man at the Volksrust police station.

The incident, which occurred on 2 April, was recorded from outside the police station.

In the video circulating online, a bare-chested man is seen being repeatedly slapped by the officer until he collapses to the floor in the foyer of the police station.

Outside the police station, bystanders can be heard screaming and pleading with the officer to stop.

Moments later, the victim is slapped again and dragged back inside the station. The assault took place in the presence of other people, including uniformed officers.

In another video, the visibly distressed victim, weeping, claims he was assaulted “for nothing”.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, confirmed that the matter is under investigation.

He stated: “It is worth noting that in light of the serious allegation, the SAPS has instituted an internal investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident thoroughly.”

Mdhluli further explained that a criminal investigation is also under way to ensure transparency and accountability.

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which will handle the criminal investigation.

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“The involvement of IPID is aligned with SAPS’ commitment to accountability and transparency in the policing profession,” he added.

Acting Mpumalanga provincial commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has vowed to act decisively against any misconduct by police officers.

Mkhwanazi reiterated the organisation’s commitment to addressing the matter swiftly and transparently.