South Africa’s police Chief on
Friday suspended eight police officers involved in the death of a suspect who
had been tied to the back of an official vehicle and dragged for about 500
metres.
The incident highlighted concerns about violence and abuse of
power within the force and could pose a problem for a police service battling
to gain the trust of citizens.
power within the force and could pose a problem for a police service battling
to gain the trust of citizens.
The officers were caught on mobile phone footage dragging
Mozambican national Mido Macia, a 27-year-old taxi driver, behind their vehicle
while driving at full speed. Officials confirmed the man later died of head
injuries while in police custody.
Mozambican national Mido Macia, a 27-year-old taxi driver, behind their vehicle
while driving at full speed. Officials confirmed the man later died of head
injuries while in police custody.
“We view this incident in a serious light and we would want to
see stern action taken against those involved. We want stern action so that it
may send a message to other officers that any untoward conduct will not be
tolerated,’’ said Police Minister Siyabonga Cwele.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg,
and was apparently sparked by an argument about Macia parking on the wrong side
of the road.
and was apparently sparked by an argument about Macia parking on the wrong side
of the road.
National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega also suspended the
head of the local Daveyton police.
head of the local Daveyton police.
Phiyega said she was “outraged’’ and order an internal investigation
to be headed within her office. The Independent Police Investigative
Directorate (IPID), the body in charge of monitoring the police, is also
looking into the affair.
to be headed within her office. The Independent Police Investigative
Directorate (IPID), the body in charge of monitoring the police, is also
looking into the affair.
“The incident does not reflect the conduct and practise of the
South African police service in a democratic South Africa. We regret this
incident. We do not accept this type of practice,’’ she told a news conference.
South African police service in a democratic South Africa. We regret this
incident. We do not accept this type of practice,’’ she told a news conference.
Analysts say abuses within the police force are widespread.
Hundreds of people die each year in police custody, many as a result of
violence. Dozens of cases of torture are reported each year.
Hundreds of people die each year in police custody, many as a result of
violence. Dozens of cases of torture are reported each year.
