Apple throwers in trouble
AN INVESTIGATION into the conduct of law enforcement officials who pelted suspected thieves with apples will be dealt with swiftly.
So said Theewaterskloof Municipality spokesperson Hugo Geldenhuys yesterday, after a video of the incident went viral.
The incident happened on Friday, and the video shows four suspected thieves standing at a roadside, while metro officers throw apples at them – apples the thieves are alleged to have stolen.
While the suspects are made to stand with their backs to the officers, the officers each take aim, hitting them with apples several times on their heads, backs, and legs.
The mayor of the municipality, Christelle Vosloo, said the conduct of the apple throwers was inhumane and expressed a gross violation of the safety and dignity of their victims.
“I am devastated that the victims had to endure this trauma and I believe their constitutional rights, not to be exposed to psychological, emotional and physical abuse had been violated. I will ensure an immediate investigation into the incident.
“If any personnel of the municipality are found guilty they will face the strongest disciplinary actions possible. I call on the community to give me and the municipality an opportunity to investigate the incident and to deal with it appropriately,” Vosloo said.
Geldenhuys said more information would be made available today.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said no criminal case had been opened by yesterday.