Three police officers in Mpumalanga have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the death of a 33-year-old motorist. The incident followed a multiple-vehicle accident in Embalenhle on August 17th.
According to police, when the officers arrived at the scene, one of the motorists fled on foot. The officers chased him, caught him, and then allegedly assaulted him by throwing stones at him.
The injured man was taken to a hospital by ambulance but died several hours later.
After an intensive investigation by police detectives and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the three officers, aged between 32 and 35, were arrested on Monday, August 25th.
They now face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. The allegations state that the assault after the car accident may have contributed to the man’s death.
The officers are expected to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The acting Provincial Commissioner stated that the arrest demonstrates the police’s commitment to upholding the law and that no one, including police officers, is above it.