Families deplore cop’s alleged attack on teens

A Clanwilliam mother alleges an off-duty police officer broke her son's legs with a hockey stick.

A Clanwilliam mother alleges an off-duty police officer broke her son's legs with a hockey stick.

Published Sep 2, 2021

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CAPE TOWN - The families of five teenagers aged between 16 and 19 are demanding justice after an off-duty Clanwilliam police officer allegedly assaulted them with a hockey stick.

According to the mother of one of the assaulted boys, the off-duty officer had jumped a fence at around 2am on August 22 into a yard, where he hit her son over the leg with the hockey stick, breaking his leg.

She said the off-duty officer assaulted four others with the stick as well.

“The first boy walked past his house to go to his friends house, and my son was with them at the house in the yard. The man (officer) just jumped over the fence.

“The policeman came into the yard and just hit him over the leg. My son looked at him and he didn't say anything at all. My son doesn't know the officer.”

She said members of the community had previously reported the officer for alleged unlawful conduct, but nothing came about from their complaints.

“We went to the hospital that Monday morning. We made a police statement. My son’s leg is broken and is in a cast. He has a job but is unable to work now.”

The mother said she did not understand why the officer had not yet been arrested, and that if the situation were reversed, an arrest would have been made swiftly.

“Even if they were out after curfew, it doesnt give him a right to hit them. He is supposed to be an example to them.”

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding an incident in Viooltjie Street, Clanwilliam, in the early hours of Sunday is under investigation.

“The investigation (is) completed and the docket was handed to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision.

“Clanwilliam police are investigating two cases of assault common and one case of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm. The investigating officer awaits a decision which will then indicate the way forward.”

SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Commissioner Chris Nissen said they would monitor the case.

“Even if the officer was off-duty, it’s still a policeman and he has a duty to protect and serve.

“Even if they were out late, call the station to say ’I’ve seen people breaking curfew’ or make a citizen’s arrest, but you can’t assault people. If it is true, then it is a criminal act,” Nissen said.

“We will be monitoring the situation and we will be engaging with SAPS about policing with a human rights culture,” he added.

The National Prosecuting Authority said it would respond in due course.

Cape Times

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