The South African National Civic Organisation has expressed its anger about the assault of a hawker by four Johannesburg metro police officers.
“This act is uncalled for as we come from incidents of killings of the police by taxi driver and civilians. We condemned these killings of police a few days ago,” spokesman Dumisane Mthalane said in a statement.
“It becomes much difficult when the men in uniform become thugs against innocent civilians.”
Andries Ndlovu, 37, was beaten in Ivory Park, near Midrand, last Friday, apparently after he tried to stop the officers from beating a 60-year-old man, the Sunday Times reported.
A 22-second cellphone video of the attack was recorded by an onlooker. Officers are shown kicking and stamping on Ndlovu after he had fallen down, according to the weekly.
SANCO condemned police brutality and brutality committed against the police. The organisation called on police to “root out bad elements that tarnish” the police's image.
The officers allegedly beat up a 60-year-old welder, Joseph Khumalo, when he demanded a receipt or notice when his goods were impounded. Ndlovu asked the officers why they were assaulting Khumalo, he told the paper. He was punched in his face, and started to fight back.
Khumalo's two sons, Ananias and Michael, said they were also assaulted.
Metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar asked the Sunday Times for a copy of the video so disciplinary action could be taken. - Sapa