CCID launches probe after officers seen hitting man with batons

The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) says its officers acted in self-defence during a physical altercation near the Grand Parade, after footage of several officers striking a man with batons as he lies on the ground circulated on social media.

The video shows the man on the floor covering his face as he is being beaten over the head with batons by members of the CCID as onlookers are heard shouting and swearing at the officials at around 7:34am.

The Cape Town Central City Improvement District Safety and Security explained that the officers acted in self defence after a situation escalated involving an informal trader who was in contravention of the City’s bylaws.

Two officers sustained injuries and another two suspects were also injured and taken to a medical facility.

Sharon Sorour-Morris, communications manager for the CCID, said they were aware of the video circulating on the incident.

"Based on information currently available, the incident arose at 7:34am when two CCID Public Safety Officers (PSOs) approached an informal trader operating in contravention of the City’s bylaws on the corner of Lower Plein and Castle Streets and asked him to leave the area.

"A bystander confronted the PSOs and questioned their actions. He informed others nearby of the PSOs actions, the group then became aggressive. The situation escalated into a physical altercation, prompting the CCID safety officers to act in self-defence.

"The CCID’s mobile response unit arrived with CCID-funded Law Enforcement, who brought the situation under control.

"Two officers sustained injuries, both of whom were taken to hospital for medical assessment and treatment. Two suspects, who also received medical treatment at hospital, were arrested and assault charges have been laid by the CCID safety officers against the suspects with the South African Police Service (SAPS)."

Sorour-Morris said the CCID takes incidents of this nature seriously and will conduct an internal investigation, together with its security service provider, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the altercation, including the sequence of events and the conduct of all involved.

"CCID Public Safety Officers are trained to use minimal force. We urge members of the public to refrain from circulating video footage given that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation," Sorour-Morris said.