“No one is above the law, including police officers” – these were the words of the Provincial Police Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after a 39-year-old police sergeant was arrested on Tuesday morning, April 2, in connection with a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
It is alleged that the officer assaulted his 29-year-old girlfriend along the Mthoko Mkhize Main Road on Sunday night, March 31.
“The suspect, who works at the Mpumalanga police station in Hammersdale, KZN, will appear in the Hammersdale Magistrate’s Court this week,” said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
“Investigations are already under way into the victim’s allegations that she was initially refused to open a case at the station. Should there be any substance on the allegations, internal processes will be instituted and responsible officers will be subjected to appropriate departmental steps.”
He said the South African Police Service (SAPS) prioritises gender-based violence (GBV) cases and front-line police officers abide by the Domestic Violence Act and should act accordingly.
“Police officers should be exemplary and walk the talk. Women and children must be and feel safe around men and they must feel even safer in the presence of police officers, whether on or off duty. Police officers must champion the fight against any form of violence perpetrated against women and children. If police officers commit any crime, we shall arrest them and ensure that they face the full wrath of the law,” said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
