Bloemfontein Police Officers Out On Bail After Assaulting Woman In Station

Two female police officers accused of assaulting a 40-year-old woman inside the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein were released on R1,000 bail each.

Sergeant Mamorena Shuping and Constable Lucia Marumo appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday following their arrest on Thursday.

Police Attack Victim After Reporting Domestic Violence

The victim, Stephanie Booysen, had visited the station to report her boyfriend for violating a protection order. However, a disagreement between her and the officers allegedly led to the brutal assault.

Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that the officers are charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Their case has been postponed to March 7, pending a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

CCTV Footage Shows Violent Attack

A two-minute CCTV video of the incident has surfaced. The footage shows Booysen entering the frame before a female officer suddenly slaps her across the face. Another officer, in full uniform, then forcefully pushes her toward the entrance of the police station as she tries to fight back.

Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that both Ipid and internal investigations are underway.

“The SAPS views these allegations with the utmost seriousness. Internal investigations will establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

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Despite public outrage and calls for their immediate dismissal, police management stressed that legal procedures must be followed before any suspensions or removals can take place.

Police Commissioner Urges Fair Process

Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, reiterated that while misconduct will not be tolerated, the officers must be allowed to provide their side of the story.

“Understanding the full context, including events before the incident in the video, is crucial for a comprehensive assessment,” he stated.

With public anger mounting, authorities face growing pressure to take swift action against police brutality.

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