On Thursday, 26 October 2023, SAPOL attended a care facility in Southern District to assist SAAS.
There was an altercation between police and a man at the facility and a Taser and OC spray was deployed. The man, aged in his 60s, was restrained by police and sustained minor injuries during the arrest.
A complaint was made to the Office for Public Integrity on 26 October 2023 about the conduct of the attending police, and SAPOL were made aware of the complaint on 6 November 2023 and an assessment was immediately undertaken.
Following assessment of the body-worn video footage from the two officers, on the face of it concerns were identified and a criminal and disciplinary investigation has commenced.
SAPOL has also immediately removed the two officers from operational duty whilst the matter is under investigation.
Given the concerns identified, upon receipt of the complaint the Commissioner was shown the body worn video footage of the incident and a Commissioners Inquiry has now been declared.
As this incident is the subject of a complaint, the Police Complaints and Discipline Act would ordinarily prohibit the disclosure or publication of information in connection with it. However, the Commissioner has determined to authorise both the disclosure and publication of the above information in relation to this complaint as it is in the public interest to do so.
For clarity, no further information in relation to this incident is to be disclosed or published, pursuant to the Police Complaints and Discipline Act.
