The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) have launched investigations into a disturbing and fatal incident in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.
The incident was caught on camera, and in the video, a cash-in-transit van with the Fidelity Service Group is seen driving over a man lying motionless on the ground. The footage has been doing the rounds on social media.
It is believed the victim was attempting to rob the van, as it was parked at a shopping centre in the area. According to a police statement, it is alleged that a man armed with a sharp object opened the passenger side of the van and attacked the security officer seated in the driver’s seat. It is said that, thereafter, other security officers opened fire at the attacker, who fell to the ground.
“It is further alleged that the driver of the cash-in-transit vehicle subsequently drove over the man, who was later certified dead at the scene,” read the police statement.
Bushbuckridge SAPS are investigating a case of murder, as well as the attempted robbery.
Meanwhile, PSiRA has condemned the incident, noting that no matter the circumstances, private security officers should remain “lawful, reasonable and proportionate”.
“In terms of the PSiRA Code of Conduct, security service providers and their employees are required to act in a manner that upholds the law, respects human rights, and avoids the use of unnecessary or excessive force. Any conduct that deviates from these principles constitutes a serious breach and may result in a code of conduct enquiry,” read the PSiRA statement.
PSiRA said its probe into the incident is underway, adding that appropriate action will be taken where wrongdoing is identified.
Meanwhile, the SAPS has advised that the deceased victim in the incident is yet to be identified.
PSiRA, along with the SAPS, also noted concerns regarding the circulation of the video of the incident. Both authorities urged the public to refrain from sharing the footage to avoid further trauma.
“PSiRA notes the circulation of a graphic video related to the incident on social media and supports SAPS’ call for the public to refrain from sharing such content, as it may cause further trauma to affected families and the broader public.”
