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Woman accuses cops of delaying ID parade

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Detectives who allegedly assaulted a pregnant woman could now land their colleagues in trouble.

The alleged victim says police are dragging their feet investigating her complaint. The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD), which investigates police misconduct, has now been drawn into the fray.

ICD spokesman Dikeledi Phiri said yesterday that police had an obligation to help complainants no matter who faced charges.

"Their conduct amounts to improper assistance unless they have a reasonable explanation why they have not acted," said Phiri.

Paulina Mathikge, of Klipfontein, Midrand, was five months pregnant when she was assaulted, allegedly by undercover police officers investigating a case of theft.

The attack was recorded on closed-circuit TV. The video shows a plainclothed officer pulling Mathikge by the collar across a counter and hitting her in the face with an open hand.

Tembisa police said they were still collecting statements from witnesses.

"It took so long because the investigating officer went on leave," said police spokesman Jethro Mtshali.

Mathikge believes the investigators are covering up for their colleagues.

"They want me to forget how my attackers looked like. That is why they are taking so long to organise the identity parade," she said.

Mtshali said an identification parade would be arranged once all statements had been collected.

The officer who allegedly assaulted Mathikge has not been suspended.

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