Cape Town - A Lutzville cop is expected to appear in court today after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a teen suspect with a sjambok in the holding cells.
The incident saw angry residents call on provincial police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, to intervene after it was found that the 13-year-old boy had been left in the holding cell for two days after the attack.
Community activist, Sarah Bakamela, said they were made aware of the incident last Wednesday and immediately reached out to the boy’s family.
“He is a foster child and allegedly stole a cellphone and was apprehended by police. The police took him to Lutzville SAPS and assaulted him with a sjambok and the boy was badly beaten all over his body.
“Even hit in the eye.
“He was kept there for two days and later taken to the hospital where the doctor wrote an extensive report.”
Bakamela said irate residents went to the police station and wrote letters to Patekile who ensured that investigators from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) be sent to investigate the matter.
“When IPID arrived the detective actually booked off sick and his captain had to go to his home.
Police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, confirmed the arrest.
“‘We can confirm that a 31-yearold constable attached to Lutzville SAPS was arrested on a charge of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.” IPID spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, confirmed the officer was arrested on Friday.
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus