Cop arrested in new dragging case

INLSA

A North West police officer has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a court interpreter and dragging him with a police vehicle. FILE PHOTO: SAM CLARK

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 Mafikeng - A North West police officer has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a man in Setlopo Village, Mafikeng, and dragging him with a police vehicle, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) said on Thursday.

The 36-year-old sergeant based at the Lomanyaneng police station was taken into custody while on duty on Wednesday, Ipid spokesman Moses Dlamini said.

Dlamini said that on March 7 two police officers were allegedly seen harassing a boy near the tuckshop in the area.

“After the police had finished talking to the boy, the complainant called the boy to advise him about what to do should he feel that he was treated badly by the police,” he said.

The man, a court interpreter at Molopo Magistrate's Court, said the same police officers called him to the police vehicle on the driver's side to confront him about what he said to the boy.

“The driver grabbed the complainant by the neck and asked him if he knew what police were capable of these days. The policeman allegedly drove off and dragged the complainant for about 100 metres,” said Dlamini.

The man suffered injuries to his feet and was taken to a hospital by his neighbour.

The matter was reported to police on Tuesday. It was later reported to Ipid.

The sergeant would appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate's Court on Friday facing a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. - Sapa