Cape Town cops accused of assaults

2012-10-22 10:22

The SA Police Service logo (File, Supplied)

Cape Town - A group of police officers at Steenberg station in Cape Town are being investigated for allegedly using "apartheid-like" assault methods, according to a report on Monday.

The Cape Argus reported that 11 residents filed a case against the Steenberg police station on Thursday for allegedly abducting, torturing and beating them, and destroying their property.

Their lawyer Bruce Hendricks said a complaint was also filed with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

They would approach the Western Cape High Court next month to interdict officers from assaulting them.

The assault apparently included being stripped naked, smothered with plastic bags over their faces and being hit with baseball bats and hockey sticks.

"I am not a gangster. I am a taxpayer. I deserve to be treated with dignity," one of the unidentified complainants told the newspaper.

Another complainant said police were traumatising the community.

"They don't want peace, they steal our stuff and give our children sleepless nights."

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said he was aware of the allegations.

"Complaints against our members are deemed as serious, and we will not hesitate to investigate every allegation of misconduct or brutality."

- SAPA