KEY POINTS
- Two Bloemfontein police officers were released on bail after allegedly assaulting a woman inside a police station.
- CCTV footage captured the officers slapping and pushing the victim, sparking public outrage.
- SAPS and Ipid have launched investigations into the incident, but disciplinary action is pending.
Two female police officers accused of assaulting a 40-year-old woman inside the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein were released on R1,000 ($54.32) bail each.
The officers, identified as Sergeant Mamorena Shuping and Constable Lucia Marumo, appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, a day after their arrest.
According to Lizzy Suping, spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), the victim, Stephanie Booysen, had gone to the station to report a case of domestic violence after her boyfriend allegedly violated a protection order.
Instead of receiving assistance, she was reportedly assaulted following a dispute with the officers.
The two officers now face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Their case has been postponed to March 7 while the Director of Public Prosecutions decides whether the charges should be adjusted.
CCTV footage sparks public outcry
A two-minute surveillance video from inside the police station captured the disturbing incident.
In the footage, a female officer is seen slapping Booysen across the face before another uniformed officer pushes her toward the entrance. Booysen appears to fight back before the video ends.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) acknowledged the footage, stating that it is taking the allegations very seriously.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that Ipid is investigating the matter, alongside an internal SAPS probe to establish the full circumstances.
According to IOL, Makhele said that while there is a strong public demand for the immediate suspension of the officers, SAPS must follow labor laws and due process before any disciplinary action is taken.
Police management responds to assault allegations
Following the public backlash, Free State police commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said SAPS does not condone any form of misconduct or abuse of power.
She stressed that a proper investigation is necessary to maintain equitable justice and responsibility.
“You need to understand the complete circumstances surrounding this incident including everything that took place before the fight,” Motswenyane explained.
Activism and public protest rose from this incident, which led several advocacy groups to condemn police brutality.
Public demands justice through both the immediate termination of police officers, and more effective power abuse prevention strategies for the police department.
