Second Cape security firm investigates misconduct after viral assault video
ZoneWatch security officers suspended following allegations of excessive force during an arrest in Plattekloof.
Image: Facebook
District Watch officers caught in a viral Plattekloof assault video are now under investigation after footage appeared to bust the company’s earlier claims that its men were not involved.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, was shared by a civilian who was seated at a restaurant at the corner of Rothschild Boulevard and Plattekloof Road.
The footage shows three ZoneWatch Security officers cuffing the man in the middle of the intersection before dragging him to the curb and appearing to kick and slap him.
It is claimed that the suspect attacked one of the officers, which led to the assault.
ZoneWatch stated that they have launched an immediate internal investigation, and their officers have been suspended.
Meanwhile, District Group security men were also seen in the footage.
Owner Pierre Gouws previously said his security personnel arrived at the scene after the alleged assault took place.
He explained: “The initial arrest was not made by us as a security company; we never got involved with what happened. If it does come out that any of our guys have stepped over any boundaries, it will be dealt with decisively.”
The security company also issued a statement on Tuesday saying an officer was on his way to check up on a guard when he noticed three ZoneWatch officers attempting to chase a suspect.
It said that “it was the ZoneWatch officers who assaulted the suspect. The District Watch officer radioed senior officers to assist at the scene at this time.”
However, it appears now that one District officer did assault the suspect, another “manhandled” him, and a third officer was on the scene, but did not participate in any assault.
It is alleged that the victim attacked one of the officers.
Image: Facebook
Cape Argus sister publication, Daily Voice asked Gouws for clarification on the officers’ involvement and he said management is investigating the matter.
Gouws said: “Management is still investigating those guys. They will be called in to write a report, and once all the reports are completed, they will take action against anybody who has done anything wrong.
“If they have done something that is against the law and regulations, or anything that is not within the frame of the law or our company policy, they will be punished accordingly.
“For now, we are going to leave it to management to make the call.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said that SAPS is investigating the incident.
Traut reported: “The South African Police Service is aware of a video circulating on social media depicting an alleged assault involving private security personnel in the [Plattekloof] area.
“The matter is now the subject of a police investigation, and all available leads are currently being pursued.
“The violent conduct displayed in the video by the security personnel involved is viewed in a serious light.”