A female Metro Police officer was allegedly assaulted during a traffic enforcement operation in Durban, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from the Metro Police
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The Durban Metro Police Service has addressed a video that has gone viral on social media showing an altercation between two officers and a motorist.
The video garnered strong reactions online with many questioning the conduct of the officers. However the Metro Police has said that the female Durban Metro Police officer was allegedly assaulted during the incident.
According to Metro Police, the two female officers were conducting a traffic enforcement operation when they attended to a vehicle that was allegedly causing an obstruction.
It stated that one of the officers was issuing a traffic infringement notice when the vehicle owner allegedly became aggressive and physically confronted the officer.
A second female officer intervened to assist and protect her colleague as the situation escalated.
The Metro Police said that the video circulating online only shows part of the confrontation and does not capture the events leading up to the incident.
In the wake of the video's circulation, Metro police condemned the alleged assault and interference with officers carrying out their lawful duties.
"No officer should be assaulted, threatened, intimidated, or interfered with while enforcing the law," the service said in a statement.
It emphasised that law enforcement officers, including women serving in policing roles, should be treated with dignity and respect while performing their duties.
Metro police also reminded the public that it is an offence to obstruct, hinder or interfere with a police officer who is lawfully carrying out official duties.
The service urged anyone who disagrees with a traffic fine to challenge it through the proper legal channels rather than confronting officers on duty.
Residents with concerns about the conduct of Metro Police officers have been encouraged to report such matters to the Durban Metro Police Public Relations Office, where complaints will be subjected to the appropriate internal investigation process.
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