On Thursday, 26 October 2023, SAPOL attended a residential care facility in Southern District to assist SA Ambulance. There was an altercation between police and a male resident inside the facility who was the subject of the original call from SA Ambulance to SAPOL. During this altercation a ‘Taser’ was deployed on two occasions and OC spray was also discharged.
SAPOL Internal Investigation Section became aware of this incident on Monday 6 November 2023, when it received a report that was made to the Office for Public Integrity (OPI) pursuant to the Police Complaints and Discipline Act.
On 7 November 2023, Acting Commissioner Linda Williams declared a Commissioners Inquiry would be undertaken to thoroughly investigate both criminal and conduct allegations against the two police officers. The investigation was focussed on the deployment of the ‘Taser’ and the OC spray inside the house as well as the actions of the two officers outside the house whilst restraining the man. Detective Chief Superintendent Adam Rice was appointed as the Senior Investigating Officer.
SAPOL has completed the criminal investigation and referred it to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) as the independent prosecution authority. The DPP has reviewed the evidence and determined no criminal charges will be laid against the police officers involved.
The conduct investigation has now been referred to the SAPOL Internal Investigation Section for review in accordance with the requirements of the Police Complaints and Discipline Act, which will be overseen by the OPI. Both police officers remain on administrative duties.
As this incident is the subject of a complaint, the Police Complaints and Discipline Act 2016, 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.
