ActionSA writes to IPID to investigate police brutality against school children

23 August 2023

ActionSA has written to the Head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Dikeledi Jennifer Ntlatseng, to urgently investigate the incident where members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are accused of brutally assaulting Barberton Senior Secondary students.

It is alleged that this incident happened yesterday, Tuesday 22 August 2023, at Barberton Senior Secondary School where the two learners that were involved in a scuffle were taken to the School Principal’s Office, police were called and allegedly assaulted the learners leaving them with scars and bruises. This is all without informing the parents of the learners.

The SAPS has no right to assault any person regardless of the situation, much less school children. Therefore, their actions are in contravention of the South African law.

The primary function of the police is to maintain law and order and to protect and serve the South African public. Instead, they are doing the opposite, they are the perpetrators of violent acts. This is the reason why they are losing the war on crime.

It must be noted that there are many men and women in blue who discharge their duties with distinction and these bad apples must be dealt with to begin the work of restoring the integrity of the SAPS.

ActionSA insists that IPID Head Ntlatseng is empowered to investigate all incidences of police brutality and misconduct pursuant to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act of 2011 to ensure that the officials found to be guilty of misconduct are held accountable.

There can be no question that the rule of law is an integral part of ensuring that our society is functional and prosperous, and that citizens and visitors alike feel safe and are protected from harm.

To that end, ActionSA, as a party that believes in the rule of law will work tirelessly to ensure that this matter is treated with the seriousness it deserves and that those officers seen in the video are dealt with.

Issued by Thoko Mashiane, ActionSA Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson, 23 August 2023