The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Special Task Force is facing accusations of being heavy-handed after a CCTV camera captured members of the elite tactical unit storming an East Rand home and other properties, assaulting civilians, and leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The incident, which took place during a raid to apprehend an unnamed individual suspected of involvement in illegal activities, has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about police conduct.
The action-packed video begins with the Special Task Force smashing through the remote-controlled gate of the targeted home using an Inyala armoured vehicle. A group of police officers, wearing steel helmets and bulletproof vests and armed with high-calibre assault rifles, quickly enter the property.
Inside the living room, a terrified man can be seen surrendering with his arms in the air. However, instead of peacefully apprehending him, an officer kicks the unarmed man below the belt, causing him to fall face down.
Another officer then stomps on his back, ensuring he remains in the same position. The video also shows other unarmed individuals being rounded up, pushed, and kicked by the officers during the operation at three properties.
Following the viral spread of the video on social media, many members of the public criticised the police for their heavy-handed approach. Concerns were raised about the legality of the raid and the use of excessive force against unarmed individuals.
WATCH: Police stormed the premises (home and business) of an East Rand businessman earlier this week saying they were searching for weapons.
They assaulted the owner and caused damage to the gate.
The cops left after finding nothing.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/UFHxCJKZ36
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 21, 2024
In response, the SAPS confirmed that the raid was part of a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation based on a tip-off about illegal activities at the targeted address. The police maintained that their actions were above board and that search warrants had been obtained and approved for the identified addresses.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS National Spokesperson, stated, “The primary objective was to access and secure the targets to allow the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) [Hawks] to conduct thorough searches.”
However, when pressed for details about the purpose of the raid and the evidence of illegal activities uncovered, Mathe declined to provide further comment.
Crime expert Paul O’Sullivan acknowledged the need for a swift and decisive approach in such operations but criticized the assault on unarmed individuals.
He argued that there can be no rational excuse for assaulting persons, even if they are suspects, who are already lying on the ground and have surrendered.
O’Sullivan emphasised that the level of force used should be appropriate to the level of resistance, rather than being of a punitive nature.
O’Sullivan also highlighted that assaulting and kicking a suspect who has already surrendered, with their hands held up in submission, could potentially lead to assault charges against the involved police officer.
He further stated that the police would be legally responsible for the cost of repairs to the property and may face damages for the distress and assault caused to the victims during the raid.
It remains unclear whether the victims reported the police for their actions to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which investigates complaints of misconduct against the police. Efforts to obtain comments from the victims at the time of writing were unsuccessful.
