Union slams ‘cowardly’ assault on Kimberley policewoman

THE SOUTH African Policing Union (Sapu) in the Northern Cape will meet with SAPS management on October 7 following the assault of a Kimberley policewoman who was attacked while apprehending a male suspect in Beaconsfield over the weekend.

During the incident, video footage shows individuals assaulting police officers as the officers attempted to load them into a police vehicle.

The female officer was manhandled and assaulted, and her weave was pulled off during the struggle.

Sapu provincial secretary Sabata Tshabedi expressed outrage at the “cowardly attack” on the officer while she was executing her duties, stressing that there should be severe legal consequences for the perpetrators.

“This heinous act is not only an attack on the police but an attack on the state and a disgraceful assault on the values of justice, order and human dignity. Sapu condemns, in the strongest possible terms, all acts of violence against police and law-enforcement officers.

“However, this particular incident, where a male suspect violently assaulted a female officer, exposes the worst form of weakness and brutality in our society. It is a stark reflection of a growing disregard for law enforcement and a deeply troubling display of gender-based violence wrapped in criminal contempt.

“Let us be clear: a man who raises his hand against a woman – let alone a woman who wears the badge of law and serves to protect the nation – is not strong; he is weak and cowardly. Such men have no place among the residents of our province and the citizens of our country. Such behaviour is a stain on our democracy and the values enshrined in our Constitution.

“This assault is not just an attack on one officer; it is an attack on the state, on the rule of law, and on every law-abiding citizen who depends on the police for protection and security. It is unacceptable, and it must be met with uncompromising legal consequences.”

Tshabedi called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the courts to ensure the two suspects allegedly involved in the assault face the “full wrath of the law”.

“These individuals must not be granted bail under any circumstances. Anything less would be a betrayal of those who risk their lives daily to uphold peace and order in our communities.

“A clear and uncompromising message must be sent: those who attack the protectors of our democracy cannot find refuge in our courts, and they must not enjoy the freedoms they so blatantly disregard.

“The law must protect the protectors. If police officers are not safe while executing their lawful duties, then no citizen can feel truly safe.”

He urged communities to stand with police officials in condemning violence, supporting justice, and demanding accountability.

“Let us not allow this society to become one where criminals feel emboldened to assault those who serve. Sapu will continue to monitor this case closely and ensure that justice is not only pursued but delivered.”