ASSAULT: ZoneWatch security officers suspended
Image: Facebook
THREE private security officers have been suspended after they were caught on video allegedly beating a man in Plattekloof in an incident that has sparked outrage.
The incident was shared by a civilian seated at a restaurant at the corner of Rothschild Boulevard and Plattekloof Road on Monday.
The footage shows ZoneWatch Security cuffing the man in the middle of the intersection, before dragging him to the curb and appearing to hit and kick the man.
INCIDENT: It is not confirmed what led to the alleged assault
Image: Facebook
ZoneWatch issued a statement saying that they have been made aware of the video and are investigating the incident.
“We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an incident involving armed response officers and a member of the public. We are deeply concerned by what has occurred," ZoneWatch said.
“The behaviour seen in the footage is unacceptable and does not reflect the values or standards we uphold as a company.
“We have launched an immediate internal investigation, and the officers involved have been suspended.
“We are also currently engaging with the investigating officer from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) at our offices as part of this process.
“We understand the concern and anger this incident has caused within the community. We take this matter extremely seriously and are committed to addressing it as a matter of urgency.”
Meanwhile, District Group security owner Pierre Gouws said that his personnel arrived at the scene after the alleged assault.
“The initial arrest was not made by us as a security company, we never got involved. If it does come out that any of our guys have stepped over any boundaries, it will be dealt with decisively,” he said.
PSiRA did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.
Cape Times