BBC
Eight South African police officers have been arrested over the death of
a Mozambican man who was apparently dragged behind a police vehicle.
An investigation was launched after video footage emerged showing the
man hauled through the streets with his hands cuffed to a police van.
Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega thanked people for revealing “callous
and unacceptable behaviour”.
President Jacob Zuma called the incident “horrific” and “unacceptable”.
The eight officers were initially suspended pending an investigation. It
was later announced that they had been arrested and would appear in court on 4
March.
A small crowd gathered outside Daveyton police and hurled insults at
passing police cars
Taxi driver Mido Macia, 27, died of head injuries and internal bleeding
after his arrest in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg, an initial post-mortem
found.
He was reportedly detained for parking his vehicle in a way that blocked
traffic.
The video, apparently recorded by a bystander on a mobile phone on
Tuesday, shows a large crowd watching as uniformed policemen tie him to a van,
dragging him as they drive away.
Public anger grew after the footage was broadcast on television.
South Africa’s police watchdog – the Independent Police Investigative
Directorate – is examining the video as part of its investigation.
