Pensioner (87) claims police mistreatment
An 87-year-old pensioner who was injured when a car crashed into the bicycle he was riding earlier this month, might have been mistreated by the police who attended the scene, alleges a man who was an onlooker.
The incident occurred in Smutsville on the morning of Friday 6 July, when the driver of a bakkie allegedly skipped a stop street and crashed into the elderly Benjamin Booysen who was on his way to work at the time.
According to the witness, Eugene Avery, when he arrived on the scene he asked the police officer why he wasn’t conducting an alcohol/blood test.
“The officer asked me if I am a policeman, I replied no, I am a community worker,” said Avery.
He said Booysen seemed be in shock and thus required medical attention.
“A police reservist on the scene suggested that the elderly man be taken to the police station in a vehicle rather than be loaded into the police bakkie, but again the officer refused, saying that the victim was not injured.”
Avery said that the actions of the police officer in question, identified only as Warrant Officer Steyn, could amount to misconduct.
“He took a decision not to offer the victim medical attention, and it was later discovered that the 87-year-old man had actually broken his ribs. He was later taken to the clinic and transferred to hospital for treatment.”
Avery said that police only opened an accident report, when actually a case of reckless and negligent driving should have been opened.
He alluded to the fact that if the police officer declared the victim to have suffered no injuries, it means the injuries sustained were as a result of him being loaded into the back of the police van.
“In this regard, we have written a letter to the Minister of Police,” said Avery. “I feel the the police officer should be charged.”
He said Booysen is now confined to his bed as he recovers, and as a result is without work as a gardener for at least six weeks.
“I have also incurred a lot of expenses as a result,” said Booysen during an interview at his home in Smutsville.
“My wife is also very sickly and needs constant care. I only make a little money on the few jobs that I get from time to time, I don’t know how I am going to make it through the next few weeks,” he said.
In response to an enquiry sent to Knysna police, spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies said the incident has been brought to their attention.
“An internal investigation was instituted into this matter as a matter of urgency… The outcome of the investigation will determine what steps need to be taken… This office is therefore not in a position to respond to the allegations until the conclusion of the investigation.”