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The DA held a picket outside the Orlando East South African Police Service (SAPS) station, as we call for action amid allegations of sexual abuse of children at the hands of an investigating officer. We were joined by the parent of one of the alleged victims in handing over a memorandum of demands to the SAPS.

This follows alarming reports of police brutality in the form of sexual abuse, which was endured by young girls after they had already been sexually assaulted by an official at the AB Xuma Primary School.

These young girls were reportedly ordered to strip naked and were fondled by an investigating officer, who was meant to investigate earlier incidents of abuse that had taken place at the school. This level of repeat victimisation breaks the trust of these young children and cannot be tolerated.

As part of a memorandum handed over to the SAPS, the DA demands that:

• Allegations of abuse by SAPS officers be investigated and that the officer be prevented from any contact with young children or any other vulnerable persons until such an investigation is completed and innocence is established;

• It be ensured that female officers assist female victims;

• SAPS officers assist those who approach them to open cases or lay charges of abuse without ridiculing those victims of abuse; and

• Those accused of ridiculing victims of abuse be investigated and that there be swift action taken if guilt is established.

The SAPS are meant to protect those who cannot protect themselves. They ought to serve the community by creating a safe environment for all. It is unacceptable that the SAPS themselves are perpetrators and are violating the rights of those who they are meant to protect.

Issued by DA