There’s been public outrage after a video doing the rounds on social media shows private security officers allegedly assaulting a man in the Plattekloof/Panorama region, with police now having launched an investigation into the incident.  

In the video, which surfaced on Monday, a group of security officers is seen apprehending a man on the corner of Rothschild Boulevard and Plattekloof Road, with some of them kicking, stomping and hitting him. 

The video was captured from a restaurant overlooking the road. 

The individuals involved can be identified by the uniforms and work vehicles as working for ZoneWatch Security and District Watch Security.

According to reports, ZoneWatch Security have suspended three of its security officers. The security group told the Cape Times that it is “deeply concerned by what has occurred”, further noting that “the behaviour seen in the footage is unacceptable and does not reflect the values or standards we uphold”. 

Besides the suspensions, it advised that an internal investigation is underway.  

Similarly, District Watch is also conducting an internal investigation. This security group distanced itself from the incident, suggesting that only “Zonewatch officers assaulted the suspect”. 

“A District Watch Officer was on his way to check-up on a guard when he noticed three Zonewatch officers (not affiliated to District Watch in any way, shape, or form) chase a suspect… The District Watch officer radioed senior officers to assist at the scene at this time,” read the group’s statement shared on social media.  

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut, confirmed to SmileFM that the SAPS is aware of the incident and that it is being investigated.  

“All available leads are currently being pursued. The victim has not yet been interviewed as part of the investigation. The violent conduct displayed in the video by the security personnel involved is viewed in a serious light,” said Traut.  

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