Cops in firing line over parking offence scuffle

DURBAN’S Metro Police force faced a barrage of criticism following an article printed in the Tribune last week, in which more than a dozen officers confronted a couple whose car was parked illegally in front of their home.

Police admitted the behaviour of the officers was “appalling” and said action would be taken against some of the police involved.

The Tribune reported that Meshack Chetty and his wife, Sabena, were confronted by the officers 10 days ago in Powell Road, just off Umgeni Road. A fine was issued, but then officers wanted to tow the vehicle away.

The Chettys moved the vehicle into their yard, but video footage shows a tussle broke out with the police.

At one point, Meshack is seen talking on his cellphone and standing in front of a shipping container where he is surrounded by officers.

Then Sabena takes an umbrella from the car boot and lifts it above her head as if to strike the police. Officers respond and a scuffle breaks out with a female officer.

Another officer walks up and appears to throw a punch at Sabena.

The scuffle was caught on camera by a local businessman.

Meshack was taken into police custody and Sabena, along with their two children, went into the house. Meshack has opened a case of assault against the police.

Metro police deputy head Steve Middleton said police were dealing with traffic viola- tions on May 9 when an altercation took place.

“An officer radioed in a ‘code five’, which means an officer requires assistance. Respective vehicles and officers reacted, as per procedure. What happened thereafter, however, was appalling and there is no doubt that disciplinary action will take place against certain members.

“There is no doubt that there was fault on both sides… But we exceeded the boundaries of the use of minimum force to quell the situation,” Middleton said.

The police service has since been heavily criticised on social networks and on the East Coast Radio blog.

“Paul” wrote: “Typical sledgehammer approach by huge army of police for minor parking violation. What a waste of ratepayers’ money when they should be concentrating on manning out-oforder traffic lights, targeting reckless drivers, especially taxis, etc. And to use violence against the very citizens they should be protecting? I say fire the lot, disband the Metro Police and rather enlarge the provincial RTI (Road Traffic Inspectorate).”

“Norman” commented: “What is all the fuss!!! This is perfectly normal for Metro Police!! They act like a pack of dogs… but one on one they are nowhere to be seen! They use their uniform and their Micky Mouse badge as a form of authority in their swollen heads. They are the virus that is eating away our ratepayers’ money. As far as I am concerned RTI should be the only traffic police force in the province!! (sic)”

Another user, “Yogashen”, joined the debate: “The sad thing is that it’s not just Metro – all the police think they are the law and can do as they please. They don’t understand that with power comes great responsibility.

“They should all lose their jobs for what they did because that’s all it is to them: a job. They don’t know the meaning of police.”

Middleton acknowledged there were a lot of complaints coming in, and that he would listen to all of them. But he doesn’t believe the actions of those officers 10 days ago is common across the force.

“The most important thing is that the majority of our officers are dedicated, professional, career-orientated officers. We must not all be tarred and feathered. This type of action is carried out by the minority,” he said.

He added that it was important that action was taken by the force to ensure this heavyhanded response didn’t happen again.

“We need to return to being a service, as we are established, and not a force, as SAPS has changed to. I also believe ethics training is required, and we are looking into this,” he said.

Meshack told the Tribune he was happy the case made more people complain about the antics of Metro Police.

“It’s quite upsetting that no one from Metro Police or SA Police has contacted me to find out what happened.”

matthew.savides@inl.co.za