The police officers accused of assaulting residents in Bhongweni location in Cookhouse have been moved temporarily to other sections of the town.
This is according to police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, who said station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Dennis Ferreira had met the community to hear their concerns.
“This office is aware of the assault-related incidents that were reported to the police station in Cookhouse.
“[Ferreira] undertook to temporarily move the police against whom allegations were made to another section or unit while investigations are under way,” Kinana said.
He said the cases were referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for investigation.
“These allegations are still under investigation and for this reason it is too early to talk about convictions before identifying those associated with the allegations.”
He said any officer identified as responsible for any of the incidents would face a disciplinary hearing.
“In instances where reports were received and cases opened, the police’s management has not hesitated to order investigations into the allegations, and where members were found to have overstepped their powers, action was taken in terms of the applicable regulations and policies.”
Kinana said the police were unable to provide details of the cases opened by the police or the charges against those who said they were assaulted.
“These are still under investigation by Ipid and for this reason, police must not be perceived to be interfering or trying to influence the course of such investigations.
“We want to remain as objective as is expected of the police by the policy.”
He said regular engagement was taking place with the residents.
“Operations are ongoing to ensure stability between the police and community in Cookhouse.
“It must, however, be stated in no uncertain terms that police cannot be prohibited from discharging their duties within communities.
“Declaring certain sections of the community no-go areas for the police will render the law-abiding citizens vulnerable to the criminal elements, who will take advantage of the anger of the people to achieve their ends.
“If communities are not happy with service delivery, legitimate platforms must be used to engage with the police.”
HeraldLIVE
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