Department of Public Safety MMC Michael Sun confirmed that Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have completed and brought outcomes on investigations behind the viral video of a woman being restrained by JMPD officer, while a nurse prepares to draw blood from her.
Sun said he instructed an internal investigation into what has happened without any formal complaint being laid. He added that by acting on the captured video, they want to show residents that wrongdoings will not be tolerated.
“Although the video is disturbing, the finding of the investigations do not paint a similar picture. In attempts of combating drinking and driving, we could not succeed if we did not enforce and uphold law and order. They compel persons to follow a lawful instructions, ultimately for the protection of all residents. According to investigation outcomes, it was found that the involved JMPD officers had acted within the course and scope of their duties. There will be disciplinary actions taken unless any further evidence contracting these findings come forward”, stated Sun.
He said the investigations revealed that on the 5th July 2019, a joint operation by JMPD and the Douglasdale SAPS in the form of a road block was approved focusing on, amongst others crime prevention, visible policing and driving and drinking.
“Soon after setting up of the road block, a female driver in a sliver vehicle was stopped by one of female JMPD officer. After assessments, a driver was requested to be breathalysed. The driver agreed and the results showed that she had consumed over legal allowed alcohol limit. The suspect was informed of being taken to the nearest police station, which was Douglasdale SAPS.”
“She was driven to the police station and on the way, she started to call telephone people for assistance. Arriving at Douglasdale SAPS, she was taken to a suitable facility where a nurse was on duty of assisting with drawing blood.
The driver became emotional and refused to co-operate. Shortly two males arrived at the police station, claiming to be a boyfriend and a friend of the suspect. They reasoned with the driver to co-operate but she refused,” he added.
“One of the senior SAPS officer noticed that one of the male friend was carrying a firearm and he removed it for safety. Reasoning and explaining to the driver to take blood test took more than an hour”, said Sun.
He went to say that a JMPD officer used a minimal force to restrain the driver so that blood sample could be drawn.
“After blood sample was withdrawn, the driver become calm and signed off the relevant documentation to acknowledge the procedure. No one was injured and the docket of driving under alcohol influence was opened against her”, he said.
