The South African Police Service (SAPS) has acknowledged a viral video that prompted outrage over the alleged preferential treatment of prisoners.
Accusations of racially charged favouritism circulated after a white prisoner is allowed physical contact with his wife in a video that surfaced online.
SAPS confirms prisoner is still in custody
In a statement released on Saturday, the SAPS acknowledged the video it says depicted ‘alleged preferential treatment and favouritism’.
“The South African Police Service has taken note of a video depicting alleged preferential treatment and favouritism given to an accused person who is currently in police custody.” SAPS Statement
The SAPSconfirmed that the prisoner at the centre of the controversy remains in police custody.
“At the time of the incident, the accused who is currently in police custody, is seen being allowed physical contact with his spouse which is not allowed.” SAPS Statement
Investigation launched in response to outrage
Furthermore, the SAPS has confirmed that management has launched a probe into the incident depicted in the video.
“SAPS management is investigating this incident and internal departmental processes are underway against the members concerned.” SAPS Statement
Authorities highlighted concerns over whether or not the bag handed to the unidentified prisoner by his spouse was searched by the SAPS officials on duty.
“The SAPS will also establish if the members searched the contents of the bag of the spouse to ensure that the content may not be used to facilitate an escape or endanger the lives of others.” SAPS Statement
Video existing at all a major concern: SAPS
While the concern over physical contact between the prisoner and his spouse isn’t permitted, the existence of the video in the first place has also been highlighted as a problem.
“The fact that a video was taken of suspects and accused persons is also concerning as it contravenes the POPI ACT.”
Outrage over stark difference in treatment
The video quickly went viral over the stark difference in treatment between the prisoner at the centre of the controversy and other African prisoners who can be seen exiting the same vehicle. Take a look at a few comments below:
“It can’t be a violation of POPI if it is in the public interest. They’re exposing a corrupt act here (inadvertently) that the public deserves to know about and see justice done.” @_FANofMMA_
“I thought they were lawyer. When I saw this video on Tik-tok as the real suspects were offloaded from the back of the van(khwela-khwela).” @MoilaAaron71499
“That’s what they always tell the public. The matter will be investigated. no consequences in the end.” @JustUncleBae
Do you believe there will be consequences for the policy violations seen in this video?
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