On 22 February, the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) arrested a Mokopane South African Police Service (SAPS) based Warrant Officer, Abel Baloyi. The 43 year old policeman is facing multiple charges, including three counts of assault grievous bodily harm (GBH); assault common and corruption.
The allegations are that on 23 October 2010, Warrant Officer Baloyi assaulted a foreign national who works at a store from which Warrant Officer Baloyi had taken airtime and soft drinks without paying. Apparently the victim was also arrested and false charges brought against him. Attempts were made to extort money from him by the police officer in return for his release.
After the complainant opened a case against the policeman, Warrant Officer Baloyi and his colleague apparently coerced the victim into withdrawing the charges against the police officer.
The ICD took over the docket for investigation which resulted in Warrant Officer Baloyi being charged with corruption and Assault GBH. The ICD opened further cases of defeating the ends of justice and intimidation against the officer after he allegedly threated key witnesses with violence and deportation.
In a separate incident, the same policeman and two other student Constables are facing charges following allegations that they assaulted a man and a woman on 4 September 2009.
Baloyi and his co-accused will appear at Mokopane Magistrates Court on 24 February 2011 for bail application.
Enquiries:
Moses Dlamini
National Spokesperson
Cell: 082 809 1927
South African Police Service (SAPS) warrant officer facing multiple charges following Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD’s) arrest
