Policemen suspended over assault allegation

By MALINDA KALE
TWO policemen have been charged and suspended from duties after a video of them allegedly assaulting civilians went viral on social media.
Internal Affairs directorate Chief Supt Robert Ali yesterday said they were charged with one count of causing malicious injuries, four counts of stealing and four counts of causing grievous bodily harm.
The arrest and suspension were effective from Oct 24.
Ali said three officers were allegedly involved.
The two arrested were members of the reservist constabulary and the other was a regular member who was in hiding.
Ali said the incident happened on Sept 8 at around midnight on the Poreporena Freeway when the complainant and four relatives were travelling from Vadavada to their home.
The complainant failed to stop because they were allegedly under the influence of alcohol and so were chased until a tear gas was fired into the vehicle which forced them to stop and were assaulted.
Ali said the incident report reached the office prior to the matters being exposed on social media.
He said discreet investigation was taken to address such matters.
“We have passed the investigation stage and have already arrested those rogue officers who were involved in that incident,” Ali said.
“Such behaviour by police personnel is uncalled for.
“Willing citizens that are subject to the rule of law should not undergo such treatment as such behaviour and attitude is not a culture of this organisation.
“We will do everything we can to address this issue to eradicate such behaviours.”