Kraaifontein police victim support volunteer, Basetsana Maboe, has filed a case of assault against Kraaifontein SAPS officers who she says manhandled her as she tried to prevent her son, Jose Maboe, 31, from being arrested last Sunday, April 22.
Jose appeared in the Kuils River Magistrate’s Court on Monday April 23 and was charged with resisting arrest. He was released on R600 bail.
According to Ms Maboe, Jose and and his friend Godfrey Hendricks, 26, were on BMX bicycles on their way to watch the drag racing in Koopmans Avenue when police allegedly attacked them during a stop- and-search operation in Buitensingel Street.
Both men were searched and Godfrey was allegedly beaten with handcuffs over the back of his head but managed to escape.
The officers confiscated their bicycles and while Jose was walking home in Bernadino Heights, five police vehicles allegedly cornered him and officers allegedly forced him into the back of one of the vehicles.
“I ran out after I heard all the commotion and I could see two officers pushing my son into the police van,” said Ms Maboe. She said her son resisted and was then allegedly hit over his knees and knuckles with a service pistol.
“I wanted to know why they were arresting him but they did not tell me.”
Instead, she claims that the officer took her by the neck, choked her and continued pulling at her arms.
She said officers at the scene could not be identified as no name tags were visible.
Godfrey and Ms Maboe sought medical attention at the Kraaifontein Community Health Centre where they were examined and received J88 documents, which were taken to Kraaifontein police station.
“I demanded to speak to the station commander but he was not on duty,” said Ms Maboe.
She said she is saddened by the bad treatment from Kraaifontein SAPS.
“I feel that they should apologise to me and the public as I have worked hard for them. Justice should be served. I expect a good explanation from them for the way they have treated me.”
Northern News is in possession of a video and pictures of the incident and the J88 document filed for the bruising on Ms Maboe’s arms.
Kraaifontein police station commander, Brigadier Gerda van Niekerk, confirmed an assault case was opened and being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
National spokesperson for Ipid, Moses Dlamini also confirmed a case of common assault was reported and said it will be investigated.
