APA-Johannesburg (South Africa) South African police have launched an investigation into an incident in which armed VIP bodyguards assaulted three helpless civilians following a misunderstanding on a Johannesburg highway.
South African Police Service (SAPS) national commissioner Fannie Masemola on Tuesday condemned the misconduct by members of SAPS VIP Protection Unit who are seen in a video clip assaulting three helpless men by the roadside in Johannesburg.
In the video, which has since gone viral on social media, the armed officers in plain clothes could be seen taking turns kicking the men while they lay helpless next to N1 highway in the city.
“Members of the SAPS are meant to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and exercise the powers conferred upon them in a responsible and controlled manner,” the police chief said.
He added: “Such action cannot be condoned regardless of the circumstances.”
According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS has launched an investigation into the incident.
Mathe said the police were making efforts to trace the victims to get statements on the matter.
What led to the men being attacked is unclear but the video has sparked fierce criticism by the public, with some calling for the officers to be removed from the police service.
In November 2022, the SAPS announced that it had paid out nearly US$55.6 million in civil lawsuits since 2020 due to police misconduct against members of the public.
NM/jn/APA