THE video showing municipal law enforcement officers pelting suspected fruit thieves with apples has gone viral.
Many of the 350 000 viewers of the video who commented expressed shock and outrage.
The Theewaterskloof officials will face a full investigation and the strongest possible disciplinary action, said angry mayor of the Western Cape municipality, Christelle Vosloo.
The video shows the officers throwing apples at four men they had forced to stand next to a siding along a road at a mountain pass outside Villiersdorp.
The apples were apparently taken from a municipal bakkie.
Officials can be heard laughing and swearing in the video as they take turns throwing apples at the men who were ordered to face the mountain.
The apples hit one man on the head and the others all over their bodies.
Vosloo condemned the actions, describing them as “inhumane and a gross violation of the safety and dignity” of the victims.
“I am devastated that the victims had to endure this trauma and I believe their constitutional rights have been violated,” said the mayor.
She called on the community to give the municipality an opportunity to investigate the incident and deal with it appropriately.
“I will keep them informed about developments,” said Vosloo, adding that she would also meet the victims and ensure that they received support.
THE SA National Civic Organisation (SANCO) says it's shocked by the video and called for the officers to be fired.
SANCO says the shameful actions of the officers show disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
According to SANCO spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu the officers humiliated the four suspects and displayed brutality that undermined their constitutional rights.
"They represent a calibre that has forgotten the pledge to serve and protect our communities," Mahlangu said.
