The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Cllr Mally Mokoena, condemns the brutal attack of a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) female officer by a male assailant over the weekend. 

The officer, from the K9 Unit, was viciously assaulted while trying to apprehend the suspect, who was driving at a high speed and disregarded a red traffic light. The suspect further attempted to brazenly bump into a JMPD patrol vehicle after being pursued and stopped by the officer. 

After being asked to step out of his vehicle, the 24-year-old suspect pounced on the officer, strangling her, then hurled her to the ground and proceeded to kick her in the face. This unrestrained battering was accompanied by racial slurs as well as vulgar and derogatory name-calling. The suspect further made death threats against the officer. 

MMC Mokoena has described this act as barbaric and despicable, and deserving of harsh punishment – especially as the country is grappling with the scourge of gender-based violence.  

“I strongly condemn this heinous act. Such behaviour is abhorrent and simply unacceptable. Our officers should never be placed in harm’s way while carrying out their duties, especially by wayward scoundrels who have no regard for the law like this man. 

“This incident is extremely sickening in a country that is confronted with the plague of violence against women and children. It is absolutely contemptible to have our officer subjected to such wanton physical and verbal abuse while doing her job,” said MMC Mokoena. 

The officer was taken to Milpark Hospital with injuries on her head, face, left eye and right shoulder sustained from the assault. She was discharged the same evening after getting treatment. The suspect faces charges of attempted murder, assault GBH, resisting arrest, and reckless and negligent driving.

“I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone who intervened during the attack, especially Fidelity ADT security personnel. We appreciate your spirit of altruism and ubuntu. 

“I wish the officer a speedy recovery and assure her that she will receive all the necessary support from the department throughout her recuperation and court proceedings. We hope that the suspect will receive the maximum punishment,” said MMC Mokoena.