Allegations of Police Torture: SAPS Members Arrested and Charged

Three members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) appeared before the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on charges of torture in a recent case that has shocked many.

The arrests of Colonel Delmore Manuel, Constable Jermaine Conradie, and Constable Leigh-Ann Maroon were made by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate following an incident involving Juma Igiranieza, a barber at the Perfect Touch Boutique and Salon in Mowbray. This arrest came more than five months after Igiranieza was allegedly assaulted in his workplace.

Video footage captured by GroundUp revealed the brutality of the assault, with officers seen using fists, a baton, pepper spray, and a plastic bag on Igiranieza. The officers are accused of unlawfully and intentionally committing torture in order to obtain information from him.

During the court proceedings, Magistrate Goolam Bawa expressed his shock at the charges brought against the law enforcement officers, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.

The accused SAPS members appeared in court but did not enter a plea. They were granted bail of R2,000 each and ordered not to contact Igiranieza or visit the location where the incident occurred. The case has been postponed for further investigation until 7 June.

When asked about the future of the accused officers within the SAPS, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk stated that a departmental investigation would be conducted to address any misconduct or criminal charges. He emphasized that internal disciplinary processes would be followed in line with SAPS policy.