WITBANK – The Emalahleni SAPS are investigating alleged acts of brutality by members of a private security company during an incident in Uthingo Park on Friday, July 5. The incident, captured on a video doing the rounds on social media, shows a physical engagement between security guards and community members who were reportedly staging a protest.The mob was burning tyres when the guards stepped in.

Information at the police’s disposal suggests that the protesters tried to disarm a security guard, causing his colleagues to rush to his assistance by using excessive force on the said individual. The latter is seen on the video being subdued and beaten up with firearm butts.The victim has opened a case of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). 

Provincial police warned that, although they acknowledge and appreciate the role played by the private security industry in the fight against crime, using excessive force that amounts to brutality is punishable by law. The SAPS added  that police members are not even allowed to use disproportionate force under any circumstances. Police management also cautioned security companies to contact the police in the case of a public disturbance as they (police) are trained to deal with such incidents.

An appeal has also been made to the Uthingo Park community to remain calm and rather resort to the relevant communication processes and dialogue to address their problems.

Police acted swiftly by arresting three suspects identified from the video.They are expected to appear in the Witbank Magistrate's Court today, July 8, on assault charges.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlathi