Eight South African police officers are due to appear in court over
last week's death of a Mozambican man who was apparently dragged behind a
police van.
An investigation was launched after video footage emerged showing the
man being hauled through the streets with his hands cuffed to a police
van, reports the BBC.
President Jacob Zuma called the incident "horrific" and "unacceptable".
Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega thanked people for revealing "callous
and unacceptable behaviour".
Credibility dented
Credibility dented
The eight officers were charged with murder on Friday - three days
after the fatal incident.
Macia, a taxi driver, was reportedly detained for parking his vehicle
in a way that blocked traffic.
The video, apparently recorded by a bystander on a mobile phone, shows a
large crowd watching as uniformed policemen tied him to the van,
dragging him as they drove away.
Public anger grew after the footage was broadcast on television.
South Africa's police watchdog - the Independent Police Investigative
Directorate (IPID) - is examining the video as part of its
investigation.
The South African Police Service expressed "extreme shock and outrage"
at the mobile phone footage.
"From the video which has gone viral, it is obvious that the rights of
Mido Macia were violated in the most extreme form," it said in a
statement,
"The behaviour displayed in that video, when it is committed by police
who are expected to serve and protect, is to be abhorred," it added.
The police force was already under intense scrutiny after officers shot
dead 34 striking miners last August.
Its credibility was also dented when it emerged that the lead detective
in the murder case against athlete Oscar Pistorius was himself accused
of attempted murder.
The police service said it would give its full support to the IPID as
it looked into Macia's death.
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