White cop accused of racial profiling
Suspect allegedly denied bail as he’s black
An Alberton police officer has landed in hot water for the alleged racial profiling of a suspect to determine if he should be granted police bail.
Advocate Soyaphi Hlongwane laid a complaint against the officer, accusing him of profiling his client, Obina Emeke, after he was arrested for drinking and driving on May 8.
Hlongwane alleged that the white officer initially agreed to let Emeke out on police bail but made an about-turn after discovering that Emeke was black.
The Sowetan has established that the policeman, who cannot be named as the matter is still an internal hearing, has been charged with contravening regulation 20 of the South African Police Act by allegedly discriminating against someone on the basis of race.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed that an investigation is underway after a complaint was laid against the officer.
Hlongwane alleged that while the warrant officer was speaking to another policeman on the phone, he asked whether the suspect was black or white before deciding whether he should be released.
“He had no objection to the release, but he asked the other officer if Emeke was black or white. After learning that the suspect was black his attitude changed. His attitude also changed when he realised the suspect was being represented by a black lawyer,” Hlongwane said.
Emeke’s brother, Jeff, who was present during the incident, said he was left disturbed and confused after the officer made a second call to establish his brother’s race.
“After he heard that my brother was black he said: ‘Leave him in the cell and don’t give him bail’,” Jeff alleged.
In an affidavit to the police, Hlongwane claimed he has been a victim of the officer’s alleged racism a number of times.
He said the officer has also advised white suspects not to be represented by black lawyers as they would be wasting
‘‘ After learning that the suspect was black his attitude changed
their money and time. “We have instances where, after white people have been arrested, he will give them preferential treatment,” Hlongwane said.
“We are waiting to see how the internal disciplinary process unfolds before we take this matter up with the Equality Court or even the SA Human Rights Commission. If his superiors fail to act against him, we will escalate the matter.”
Kweza said she could not divulge further details.