Cops suspended after assault
2011-03-03 08:07
-
Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - Four Johannesburg police
officers were suspended on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting patrons at the
Catz Pyjamas restaurant in Melville.
Police management was "shocked and
outraged" after watching video footage of the incident, which happened in
the early hours of Saturday morning, February 26, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel
Neville Malila said.
Efforts were being made to identify the other
two officers allegedly involved.
The fight began when patrons at the
restaurant allegedly threw beer bottles from the first floor balcony at a
police patrol that was searching a car and its occupants in Main Road. The
officers called for back up and members of the tactical response team arrived
and allegedly beat up patrons.
Thirteen people were arrested and charged for
interfering with police performing their duties and crimen injuria. They were
given R500 bail each, released and ordered to appear in court on Monday.
The prosecutor at the Johannesburg
Magistrate's Court however declined to prosecute and sent the case docket back
for further investigation, Malila said.
The Independent Complaints Directorate had
opened an investigation into the matter. All victims and witnesses were asked
to contact Chris De Jager on 011 220 1500 or 082 325 6463.
- SAPA
