Sergeant Mamorena Shuping and Constable Lucia Marumo, both serving in law enforcement, are under investigation for assault following an incident with a 40-year-old woman at the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein. They were released on bail set at R1,000 each.
The officers appeared in Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday after being arrested the day before.
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Police Allegedly Assault Victim After Domestic Violence Complaint
The supposed victim, Stephanie Booysen, visited the station to report her boyfriend for violating a protection order. According to reports, a confrontation with the officers escalated, leading to an alleged violent assault.
Lizzy Suping, spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), stated that the officers face charges of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. The case has been postponed to March 7, pending direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
CCTV Footage Documents Violent Interaction
Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that both Ipid and internal investigations are underway.
“The SAPS takes these allegations very seriously. An internal investigation will reveal the full circumstances leading to the incident,” he stated.
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Despite public outcry and calls for their immediate dismissal, police leadership insists on following proper legal protocols before proceeding with any suspensions or terminations.
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Police Commissioner Calls for Just Process
Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, Police Commissioner for the Free State, stressed that while misconduct cannot be tolerated, it is important for the officers to present their side of the story.
“Understanding the full context, including events that occurred before the incident seen on video, is crucial for a fair assessment,” he noted.
As public discontent grows, authorities face mounting pressure to swiftly tackle issues related to police brutality.
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