BLOEMFONTEIN – Two female police officers, a Constable and a Sergeant, who stand accused of brutally assaulting a 40-year-old woman at the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein, have been granted bail of R100,000 each. The officers were arrested on Thursday, following public outrage over a viral video depicting the assault.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, confirmed that the two officers are expected to appear at the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Friday, 7 February 2025. "It is alleged that the 40-year-old victim was assaulted by the officers following a disagreement that led to the assault inside the police station," she said.
The victim, Stephanie Booysen, had gone to the police station seeking help after her boyfriend allegedly violated a protection order. Instead of receiving assistance, she claims she was met with hostility and violence.
According to IPID, Booysen sustained rib, back, and abdominal injuries during the altercation with the officers, identified as Mamorena Shuping and Lucia Marumo. "The two officers' case has been remanded to 7 March and it will still sit at the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court. Allegedly an argument ensued between Ms. Booysen and the two officers and that led to her being assaulted inside the police station," said IPID's spokesperson.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation after a CCTV video of the assault went viral on social media. The footage, secretly recorded on a cellphone and shared with News24, captured the assaults both inside and outside the police station.
In an interview with News24, Booysen recounted her harrowing experience. She claims the on-duty officers refused to assist her, allegedly informing her she could not open a case because she lived with her partner.
"One officer took a piece of paper, rolled it up, and shoved it down my shirt by my chest," she recounted. She said the situation escalated when she informed the officers she would file a complaint against them for refusing to assist her.
The CCTV footage shows a woman entering the frame and a female police officer immediately slapping her across the face. Subsequently, another woman, in full police uniform, is seen pushing the victim towards the outside entrance of the police station, while the woman attempts to defend herself.
One of the officers proceeds to kick her and forcibly pushes her through the front gate as Booysen desperately attempts to fight back. They subsequently hold her by the neck against the fence.
Before the video ends, the officers are seen dragging Booysen back into the station, with one officer grabbing her legs and the other holding her arms. Another clip shows her helplessly lying on the floor as the same female officers continue their assault. One can be seen pressing her foot on Booysen's neck and face. She later stands on top of her, kicking her while the second female officer holds her legs.
A third officer arrives and seemingly handcuffs Booysen.
The officers' attack was so brazen the CCTV footage captured them laughing and joking after the assault, with one of the female officers demonstrating how Booysen was grabbed by the neck.
Booysen claimed the officers bragged to others about how they attacked her and alleged that they threatened to kill her.
She was then taken and detained for 48 hours at Mangaung police station, where officers also refused her medical attention. After being released, Booysen visited a doctor who confirmed she suffered rib, back, and abdominal injuries.
In response to the incident, the provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, released a statement indicating that the provincial commissioner was aware of the video.
“The SAPS views these allegations with the utmost seriousness. The matter is currently under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), and, simultaneously, internal investigations are under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” Makhele said.
Police management acknowledged the public outcry and the deep concern expressed by the victim and the broader community, who have called for the immediate removal of the police officers involved.
“We understand and respect these concerns. However, it is important to clarify that in accordance with our labour laws, there are established legal and procedural frameworks that govern the suspension or removal of members from their duties. Such actions can only be taken following the outcomes of formal investigations, which will inform management’s decisions appropriately,” Makhele explained.
Free State police commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, emphasised that while the SAPS does not condone any form of misconduct or abuse of power by its members, it is equally vital to uphold principles of fairness and due process.
Motswenyane stated that this includes allowing the involved members to provide their side of the story. Understanding the full context, including events that may have occurred before the incident captured in the video, is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.
