Viral video of violence inside police station is old case – Police

WARNING: THE VIDEO IN THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS FOOTAGE OF A VIOLENT NATURE AND MAY UPSET SENSITIVE VIEWERS

“SAPS management has noted with concern the circulating video clip in social networks, showing commotion inside a police station which was purported to have taken place in Madeira police station on Tuesday night, May 24 in Mthatha.”

This is according to a statement released by police today, May 28.

Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, police spokesperson, said after investigations it was found that the video in question is an old video which emanated from an incident that took place inside a police station in Stutterheim and not Madeira police station as was alleged in social media.

“According to the report, the said incident occurred after four women and one man visited the police station to complain about the other’s boyfriend who had assaulted his girlfriend earlier in the tavern,” Kinana said.

It is further alleged that in the police station the boyfriend arrived and started recording everyone whilst the report was being made.

“As he was queried, he reacted by assaulting the girlfriend again and immediately escaped. However, the police arrested him later for assault. The girlfriend returned to the police to request that the case be withdrawn against the suspect at the time, but the police told her that it was not the responsibility of the police to withdraw cases.

“She was then referred to court where the charges were subsequently withdrawn against the suspect.”

SAPS management warned social media users to verify the facts of the story before posting any material that carries the potential to cause confusion, instill fear and mistrust and further damage the reputation of other people without cause.

“Negligent usage of social media may lead to a lawsuit, especially where an individual has been found to have lied or wrongly accused another person in public without proven evidence.” 

ISSUED BY SAPS