Witbank police station is again in hot water after posts and remarks by a constable surfaced.
The policeman stationed at the police station, was not shy to share this message, putting the focus on police brutality and racism, on social media last week.
Const Elvis Thabiso Sithole commented on a post on a radio station’s social media site, fueling racism and bragging about how he suffocates what he calls ‘this kind of racists.’
The policeman from Witbank SAPD admitting to suffocating ‘racists’ and keeping dockets from the court
The radio station shared a video of a motorist who was arrested after allegedly assaulting a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer and calling him the ‘k-word’.
This video was filmed by an eyewitness, Carmen Bell, on Tuesday, March 15. The incident occurred at the entrance to the Mall of Africa. The man said in the clip that he was pulled over for not having his number plates showing on the outside of his car. The number plates were allegedly inside his vehicle. This video went viral.
Const Sithole posted;
“I normally suffocate a bit with a refuse bag this kind of racists before booking them in the holding cells, bcoz it doesn’t leave any marks. They just become red and after doing the paperwork I lock them up and take the docket home so that no one can release them until they meet with the Honourable Magistrate in court the next Court date.”
Later on the sergeant again comments:
“That’s the only way of handling the stubborn Haasman.”
Const Sithole becomes more racist as can be seen in posts that follow,
“…All the racists are originally from Europe (Caucasians). The came to south Africa by three ships reiger, dromedaris and goede hoop.”
The battle of words continued and when Const Sithole is told that his posts are reported to his station commander his reaction was “Great news indeed…”
This matter was brought under the attention of his superiors.
According to Capt Eddie Hall, police spokesperson, Brig Delisiwe Goodness Motha, local station commander, investigated the allegations.
“Const Sithole explained that he did not post any remarks on social media. He blamed his brother and said he left his phone at home on Thursday and his brother posted all the posts and remarks that followed. Brigadier accepted his explanation and considers the matter as resolved,” Capt Hall said.
A policeman from Witbank SAPD said racism is ongoing is eMalahleni.
Every police officer signed a code of conduct the day they stepped into the shoes of law enforcement officer.
It is clear that Const Sithole disregarded the code he signed. Two of the points clearly states that in order to achieve a safe and secure environment for all the people of South Africa they undertake to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of every person and act impartially, courteously, honestly, respectfully, transparently and in an accountable manner.
Even though Const Sithole’s remarks screams out police brutality and racism, there is no sign that a proper internal investigation is going to follow.
Just four weeks ago the police station also came under scrutiny when a man had to spend the night in jail after he tried to protect his wife from an alleged police assault. The incident happened in front of a high school on Thursday, April 14. Also in this incidence the police are not taking a stand and investigating this matter. Capt Hall said that this case is sub judice and therefore he can’t comment.
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http://witbanknews.co.za/68664/police-brutality-is-alive-and-well/