The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has ordered a probe into unprofessional conduct by police officers who were caught by a CCTV camera assaulting a person during an operation in Durban.
The spokesperson for police Colonel Robert Netshiunda says the incident happened Friday night in Tongaat.
He says in the video footage a police officer can be seen hitting a man with an open hand, in what appears to be an unprovoked attack.
A little later, several other officers ganged up on the same victim and attacked him.
Colonel Netshiunda says one officer can be seen in the video kicking the victim, who was already on the ground, before standing on top of him.
He says the Commissioner asked for a detailed report into the matter and ordered for corrective steps to be taken against the officers.
"During the execution of their duties, police officers must be mindful of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct and must strive to uphold the law at all times.
"Police officers took an oath to protect and serve and as such, they must never abuse the powers vested upon them. Communities must be and feel safe in the presence of police officers and not be fearful of the very same officers who are supposed to be their source of refuge.
"Police can only retaliate with a proportional, minimum force if they find themselves under any form of attack, said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
