JMPD launches internal probe into street vendor abuse claims [video]

Two JMPD officers are being investigated for allegedly harassing and abusing a street vendor.

By / / Viral
JMPD|JMPD

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has launched an investigation for alleged harassment and abuse of street vendors after a video posted on Facebook on Sunday went viral.

Alleged abuse and harassment of street vendor

In the video, a lady can be heard begging two police officers who are seemingly trying to force her into a police vehicle. A man can be heard reprimanding the officers, telling them he will post the video on social media if they don’t stop harassing the lady.

The video has since caused an uproar on social media with the public voicing out their concerns for the street vendor.

JMPD investigating alleged abuse by officers

The City of Joburg municipality urged members of the public to report any acts of misconduct by JMPD officers by contacting a hotline and providing a clear description of the incident, as well as the offenders in question.

“There is an internal investigation after an incident occurred outside Republic Park, Douglasdale, a few days ago, following a scene on social media where a female and male officer are seen in a scuffle with a female trader who was selling dog baskets at a park.

“However, the uploading and enforcing of city by-laws are necessary so that the sidewalks of the city are not obstructed for pedestrians to not walk in the way of oncoming traffic,” JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar noted.