By: Natasha Archary
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have confirmed that the man who assaulted one of its officers has been arrested.
A viral video of the man who was allegedly drinking in public, assaulting the armed officer made its way onto social media on Wednesday, 21 December.
According to SAPS, the incident occurred when two officers confronted the man for drinking in public in Springs on Tuesday, 20 December.
The man was part of a group of five individuals who were drinking in a public space and the officers had given them a warning.
Both SAPS officers had tried to disperse the group, when one of the men began assaulting the male officer by slapping and punching him.
Despite the officer being armed, the man continued assaulting him with the female SAPS officer just standing by observing the ordeal.
The incident sparked debate on social media over how SAPS officers were supposed to protect and serve South Africans from notorious criminals if a common drunk can defeat armed SAPS officers.
Both officers reportedly had to call for backup after the suspect fled the scene. He was arrested later on Tuesday evening and is expected to appear before the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 December.
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