The Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) has defended two female officers involved in a confrontation with a motorist during a traffic enforcement operation after a video of the incident went viral on social media over the weekend.
In a statement released on Monday, 8 June, DMPS said the footage being shared online does not tell the full story.
According to the department, the incident began when officers attended to a vehicle allegedly parked in a way that obstructed the free flow of traffic.
One officer was issuing a traffic infringement notice when the owner of the vehicle allegedly became aggressive and physically confronted her, the municipality said.
A second female officer then stepped in to assist her colleague.
“The video currently circulating only shows part of the incident and does not show the events that took place before the recording started,” DMPS said.
DMPS condemned any assault, intimidation or interference directed at officers carrying out their lawful duties and emphasised that female law enforcement officials deserve the same respect afforded to their male counterparts.
The incident has sparked a fierce debate online, with some residents supporting the officers and others questioning their conduct.
Some Facebook users argued that the motorist was in the wrong and that the officers were simply carrying out their duties.
“If he had just kept quiet and obeyed the rules, it wouldn’t have gone that far. SIMPLE!!!” wrote Bukwayinja Witted.
Another user, Qinisani Gumede, stated: “The driver was in the wrong finish!!”
Scelo Sizwe Ndima questioned whether the motorist would have acted the same way towards male officers.
“I wonder if it was male officers who were going to cause that unnecessary drama. Please good people, let us give equal respect to our officers both males and females,” he wrote.
Others praised the female officer for standing her ground.
Msizi Dlamini commented: “What a brave female officer. She handled the situation very well and didn’t even crack under pressure. She deserves a medal.”
Mngani Mngani added: “Please protect her. She defended her colleague very well.”
However, many users criticised the conduct of the officer seen in the video.
Natasha Naidoo wrote: “These officers conducted and handled the matter at hand in an unprofessional manner. The uniform you wear is to protect and serve, not to assume that you are above the law.”
Shamilla Lutchman questioned: “Why did she hit the phone off the man’s hand if she was conducting her duties correctly?”
Reshaad Abdoola said: “Firstly the way the police woman reacted was uncalled for. Second, she can be charged for taking the civilian’s cellphone.”
Several users also called for body cameras to be introduced.
“Invest in body cameras and then see who is actually wrong or right,” said Tevin Govender.
Revan Ramdayal echoed the sentiment, writing: “That is why we get body cams because we believe nothing here.”
Calvin Rajman added: “The sad reality is that there are no body cams so cops get away with pathetic behaviour.”
DMPS reminded motorists that disputes over traffic fines should be dealt with through the courts and not through confrontations with officers on duty.
