Saps officers face murder rap for assault death

Four South African Police Service (Saps) officers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 48-year-old Phikolomzi Tatsi and the assault of two other men, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) says.

Yesterday, Ipid spokesperson Moses Dlamini said two sergeants and two constables were arrested on Monday.

“Ipid investigators attended a crime scene of a death as a result of police action on March 10 in Katlehong North. The matter was reported to Ipid as death in police custody at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital,” said Dlamini.

“It was alleged that two constables from Katlehong North Saps stopped a Toyota Verso with six family members in it. The police officers suspected the driver was under the influence of alcohol. They alleged that when they tried to arrest him he resisted.”

Back-up was called and other police vehicles arrived on the scene. The driver was then arrested and taken to Katlehong North police station. “It was alleged three men were assaulted in the back of the police station by at least five police officers. After the assault, the three were put in the back of a police van and taken to hospital to draw blood from the driver. “The driver was taken to a doctor while the two other males were left behind in the van,” said Dlamini. “One male died in the back of the police van and was certified dead by a doctor. The post-mortem and medical examination showed that the victims were severely assaulted.”

Ipid vowed yesterday that police officers who violated the law would be held accountable. The four officers were expected to appear in the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of murder and two of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. –