WATCH | Cops to be probed after woman forced into van released without charge

‘I hope you get the virus’ – senior Cape Town cop to be probed for alleged heavy-handedness

Another eyewitness said: “This morning, just after 08:00, there was a lady being carried by the police – I think it was three or four police officers – they threw her like a hardened criminal into the van.”

Western Cape police confirmed it was probing the conduct of the police captured on the video.

“Western Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Yolisa Matakata has ordered an investigation into the conduct of police officials captured in a video effecting an arrest of a woman in Strand on Friday morning. 

“Upon being alerted to the video and the subsequent viewing of the clip, the police officials were interviewed and the basis for the arrest is yet to be determined.

“Preliminary findings indicate that after being taken to Strand police station, the woman in question was released as detectives could find no basis for her to be charged.

“As the investigation into the conduct of these police officials progresses, police members are cautioned about regard for the rights other persons. Courtesy, fairness and treating all persons with dignity is part of police training and orientation.

“On a regular basis, police members are reminded of internal organisational prescripts that prohibit unbecoming conduct on the part of police officials, especially when interacting with members of the public.

“A senior police official from the SAPS Western Cape provincial office has undertaken the investigation. Once the probe is finalised, the outcome will be made known,” said spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa. 

The woman did not wish to speak publicly after her release, but a family member confirmed she was at home.

A legal representative for the woman – Paul Morkel of Hannes, Pretorius, Bock & Bryant Attorneys – said he was phoned by her brother who informed them the police had arrested her on Beach Road on Friday morning.

“After a long wait from the police station, it was cleared up that both my client and the police officer decided that they are going to part ways – and they’re not going to charge her. Obviously, my client is traumatised. It is shocking as to how the police handled the situation, seeing the troubled times we are in.”

He said he was awaiting further instruction.

The police did not name the officers or the woman.