A police officer from Tsakane, Gauteng, has been suspended after a video showing her slapping a civilian at the Tsakane police station went viral on social media.
Story Summary:
- A Tsakane police officer has been suspended following a viral video showing her slapping a civilian at the police station.
- The altercation began after the civilian questioned the officer about assistance for a woman filing a complaint.
- Both parties have filed assault and crimen injuria charges against each other, and disciplinary action is underway.
Tsakane police officer suspended over viral video
The footage, which quickly drew public outrage, captures an altercation between the uniformed sergeant and a man who was recording the incident on his phone.
Gauteng police management responded swiftly, expressing disappointment over the incident and confirming that internal disciplinary proceedings are underway against the officer involved.
The incident reportedly began when the man, filming inside the station, questioned the officer about a lack of assistance for a woman attempting to file a gender-based violence (GBV) complaint.
The man can be heard addressing the officer:
“This sister here said you haven’t helped her.”
Tension escalates as the officer questions whether he is recording.
Initially, the man denies it but then acknowledges that he is filming.
He challenges the officer, saying, “Who will hit me, come and hit me,” as he hands his phone to another person to continue recording.
In the video, the officer approaches the man and strikes him across the face.
She then advances toward the individual holding the phone, as the video cuts off.
The altercation has led both the sergeant and the civilian to open cases against each other, with charges of assault and crimen injuria filed at the police station.
Following the circulation of the video, SAPS in Gauteng issued a statement condemning the officer’s conduct, emphasising that such behaviour is in direct violation of the SAPS Code of Conduct.
“This behaviour is uncalled for,” the statement read.
“The SAPS Code of Conduct advocates for clients to be treated with respect and integrity at all times.”
The SAPS has confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken, and an internal investigation is underway to address the officer’s actions. For the duration of the investigation, the officer has been suspended from active duty.
Watch the video below:
