A family in Lourensia Park in Somerset West is reeling from a terrifying ordeal involving two allegedly intoxicated police officers who barged into their home on Friday 27 December.
Charlene Fredericks, a resident of the house, described the incident as a “nightmare” and accused the officers of assault and harassment.
“It started around 20:51, when two officers arrived to pick up my brother, Keano. One of them was clearly drunk and my mother questioned their sobriety and why they were conducting official business in this state.
“They claimed to be acting on behalf of a directive to apprehend Keano, but my brother presented proof that he was not required to be at the station until Friday 3 January.”
The ordeal took a terrifying turn later that evening when the same two officers returned to the residence. “They barged in for a second time, drunk and aggressive,” Fredericks said.
“When I questioned their presence, one officer responded with hostility. My brother’s girlfriend, Meagan, tried to record the incident on her phone, but an officer snatched it away. A heated argument ensued, culminating in a policeman striking me in the face.”
Fredericks and her family immediately sought help at Somerset West Police Station, but their complaint was dismissed.
They then attempted to file a report at Strand Police Station but were advised to return the following day.
The following day, a different officer arrived to collect Keano and, shortly after, Fredericks was informed she was now the subject of a counter-complaint filed by the policeman, who allegedly assaulted her.
“This whole experience has been traumatic, especially for my children who witnessed the aggression,” Fredericks said.
“It’s deeply disturbing that those entrusted with protecting us could behave in such a manner.”
Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, spokesperson for the Somerset West police, confirmed a case of common assault had been opened, and the matter was referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for investigation.
Asked to elaborate on the case and provide a response on the allegations, Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that a case of assault was being investigated and that this process was still ongoing.
“We cannot share the details of the investigation until it is concluded. Let’s allow the investigation to take its course and once concluded the outcome will be shared.”
Fredericks stated she just wanted to see justice served and for police to be accountable for their actions.
“The family is traumatised by this incident and only action against the officers in question will bring us some closure,” she said.
