Policemen fired for attack on Independent group lensman

THE TWO policemen who attacked Pretoria News photographer Masi Losi outside the newspaper’s office have been fired with immediate effect.

The two, Tshepo Marerathi and Thapelo Moganedi, were dismissed on Friday following an internal disciplinary hearing.

Provincial trial unit disciplinary officer Captain Israel Mulovhedzi confirmed their dismissal.

Both were stationed at the Pretoria Central police station.

Their dismissal was with immediate effect, he said.

“The two policemen, who have 10 days to appeal their dismissal, were found guilty on two charges. These were attempted robbery and assault.

“They have indicated that they will be appealing the decision and the penalty handed down to them,” he said.

The two still face criminal charges of assault, and are due to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court later this month.

They allegedly assaulted Losi outside the Pretoria News offices in Vermeulen Street last February.

Losi was taking photos of them arresting a suspected thief whom they had just rescued from an angry mob.

National Press Club chairman Yusuf Abramjee welcomed the stern action.

He said that he hoped that it would serve as a stern warning to wayward officers that they could not be a law unto themselves and abuse their powers. – Daily News Correspondent