Cops’
handling of Cape mom and toddler probed
15
April 2016, 06:50am
Dominic
Adriaanse
Tammy-Leigh. pic supplied
Cape Town - A young mother and her two-year-old child were
bundled into a police van, detained in a holding cell and released without
charge this week.
The police have launched an investigation of improper conduct
into the actions of two officers, but the Booysen family say they are taking
the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
Tammy-Leigh Booysen’s account, accompanied by photographs, of
how she, her boyfriend, her sister Jade and her niece were treated by two Table
View police offices has been shared 13 000 times on Facebook.
They were in a meter cab from the CBD to their house in Parklands
on Wednesday when they were pulled over by two police officers. Tammy-Leigh
says they were searched and one officer had his firearm drawn.
Their mother Amber said on Thursday that the police officers’
despicable behaviour needed to be exposed.
“They searched them, even their bags, and were asked questions
that were irrelevant. My daughter Jade recognised the one officer from a
previous encounter where she also experienced his unprofessional behaviour,”
said Amber.
Jade and her two-year-old were put in the back of a police
van.
“Tammy-Leigh’s boyfriend tried to remove my grandchild from the
vehicle and the officer placed his gun against his side. Out of view of
passers-by. Then they took Jade to the Table View police station,” said
Booysen.
“I believe my children and I demand justice for my daughters and
grandchild,” said Booysen.
Jade and the baby were in the holding cells for 15 minutes until
she arrived, said Amber. No charges were made against her daughter and she was
released.
“We have gotten legal representation and will lay civil and
criminal charges and approach the Independent Police Investigative Directorate
(Ipid),” Amber said.
Mitchells Plain cluster Community Police Forum chairperson
Hanief Loonat said he knew of too many instances where police mistreated
civilians instead of strengthening relationships with them.
“This behaviour must be exposed and I also posted on Facebook
that they must approach Ipid,” said Loonat.
Hundreds of people commented on the post, many making unsavoury
remarks and allegations against the police.
Police spokesperson André Traut said that the allegations made
on social media against Table View police members is under investigation.
“Once the investigation has been concluded, this office will be
in a position to respond,” said Traut.
dominic.adriaanse@inl.co.za
Cape Times
