The uniformed officer videographed in an altercation with other police officers at the taxi terminus in Town Centre is currently undergoing evaluation.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the officer hitting and kicking fellow officers who are attempting to calm the situation. The officer is stationed at the Mitchell’s Plain Police Station.
In response to a media query sent to the Western Cape regional media office, Brig Novela Potelwa says: “Professionals from the South African Police Service’s employee health and wellness unit are working with medical practitioners from a local medical facility where a Mitchell’s Plain police employee was admitted on Thursday (20 January). The police official was captured on video seemingly acting out of character on Thursday morning in the Mitchell’s Plain town centre.
“He is currently undergoing observation at a local facility with the necessary support availed to him and his family.”
In the video, the officer punches another officer trying to subdue him. He then also lands several fly kicks, punches and other martial arts moves on a group of officers surrounding him. He is then sprayed with pepper spray, which finally brings him down. Commuters are seen recording the incident from various angles.
In a post from a man claiming to be the officer’s brother, he says: “Before you make any negative or positive comment about a video that is trending on social media platforms, know thats my twin brother who not well at this moment.” [sic]
At this stage, it is unclear what caused the incident. However, police say they are unable to divulge the condition of the officer out “of respect for his dignity”.
Potelwa continues: “A plea is hereby made to social media users to refrain from speculating on the underlying causes of the incident that manifested in scenes that were captured in several videos currently in circulation.
“While the incident played out in a public space, the circulation of video footage captured on the scene is considered inappropriate. We urge those in possession of the videos to refrain from disseminating the material.”
