KEY POINTS
- Police Minister Senzo Mchunu condemned the assault of a GBV victim by two female officers at Heideadal Police Station, following the circulation of a viral video showing the incident.
- The victim had gone to the station to report domestic violence but was allegedly beaten and thrown out, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
- An internal investigation has been launched, with the minister vowing to take appropriate action against the officers involved, while highlighting the need for improved handling of GBV cases by law enforcement.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned the alleged assault of a gender-based violence, GBV, victim by two female police officers at the Heideadal Police Station in the Free State.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, came to light after a video surfaced on social media showing the officers physically assaulting the victim and forcibly ejecting her from the station. The footage has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for accountability and justice.
According to reports, the woman had visited the Heideadal Police Station to report a case of domestic violence against her partner. Instead of receiving assistance, she was allegedly met with hostility and violence from the officers on duty. The video, which has since gone viral, shows the two officers slapping and pushing the victim before throwing her out of the station.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of GBV victims by law enforcement and the broader challenges faced by survivors seeking justice.
In a statement released by the Police Ministry, Minister Mchunu expressed his dismay at the officers’ conduct. “The behaviour displayed by members of the SAPS in that video is highly unacceptable and completely contrary to the core values of the SAPS, which exists to serve and protect all citizens, as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” said Mchunu.
He emphasized that such actions undermine public trust in the police and vowed that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
Police Ministry Launches Internal Probe
The Police Ministry’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. “The minister has assured the public that appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible. The SAPS is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Mogotsi added. The investigation will also examine whether the officers involved had prior complaints or disciplinary issues.
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in South Africa, with many survivors facing significant barriers when seeking help from law enforcement. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved training and sensitization of police officers to handle GBV cases with empathy and professionalism. Civil society organizations and activists have called for systemic reforms to ensure that survivors are treated with dignity and respect.
The video has also reignited debates about the accountability of law enforcement officials and the need for greater transparency within the SAPS. Many social media users have expressed their anger and disappointment, with some sharing their own experiences of mistreatment by police officers. The incident has prompted calls for independent oversight mechanisms to address misconduct and ensure that officers are held accountable for their actions.
As the investigation unfolds, Minister Mchunu has urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course. He reiterated the SAPS’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as GBV survivors. “We will not tolerate any form of misconduct within our ranks. Those responsible will face the full might of the law,” he said.
