BY: LETHABO MATHOLE
In a troubling incident, a police officer has been arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, shedding light on the imperative for accountability within law enforcement.
The police reported that a 39-year-old police sergeant was arrested on Tuesday morning in connection with a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated, “It is alleged that the officer assaulted a 29-year-old woman along the Mthoko Mkhize Main Road on Sunday night.”
The police mentioned that investigations are already underway into the victim’s allegations that she was initially refused to open a case. “Should there be any substance to the allegations, internal processes will be instituted, and responsible officers will be subjected to appropriate departmental steps,” said Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda emphasized, “The South African Police Service prioritizes Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, and frontline police officers abide by the Domestic Violence Act and should act accordingly.”
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi stated that police officers should be exemplary and lead by example. He further explained that women and children must feel safe around men and feel even safer in the presence of police officers, whether on or off duty. “Police officers must champion the fight against any form of violence perpetrated against women and children. If police officers commit any crime, we shall arrest them and ensure that they face the wrath of the law,” said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
