City suspends officers in video of alleged Delft attack

The City of Cape Town is deeply disturbed by allegations around the conduct of three Law Enforcement officers during an alleged attack on a man in Delft. Video footage of the incident was brought to our attention late yesterday, 18 November 2014, showing the three officers on scene. There have been allegations that they did nothing to assist the victim.

We have viewed the footage in question and, while the officers do feature, it is not possible to determine from the available footage whether they were present at the time of the assault on the victim.

The City takes these allegations very seriously and the matter is receiving urgent attention, including a full investigation to determine when and where the incident occurred, the exact circumstances, and whether the officers sought medical assistance for the victim. The investigation will also seek to determine allegations that the man was a victim of torture and that he passed away.

Our officers are responsible for preventing crime and ensuring that people are safe. Any harm that came to the victim after the arrival of the officers is highly relevant. The overall conduct of the officers in terms of their behaviour at the scene, their professionalism, and compliance with the law will have to be determined.

I want to call on anyone with information about the incident to come forward. While the exact circumstances are still being established, we view any instance of dereliction of duty in a very serious light and action will be taken against those involved if the officers did not perform their duties. This is in addition to whatever criminal investigation the South African Police Service is conducting into the matter.

The officers have been suspended until the investigation is concluded.

Statement issued by Richard Bosman, City of Cape Town Executive Director for Safety and Security, December 19 2014

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