SA police apologise for remarks in mosque raid

A spokesperson for South Africa’s police force has apologised for remarks made by an officer during the arrest of several muslims who had congregated in a mosque, defying the presidential order against public gatherings.

Footage of the arrest, which took place on Saturday, revealed one of the officers saying “Are you bigger than the president? Is Muhammad bigger than the president?”.

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said in a statement that the officer’s comments were “rather unfortunate” and that it was “unacceptable that someone could make such an utterance”.

The incident in Mpumalanga province, in the north-east of the country, led to the arrest of 24 people. 

The police spokesperson said the force had started investigations into the matter and that the officer who made the comments would be “brought to book”.

However, police are still warning that those found congregating will be arrested and charged for breaking the rules against social gathering. 

President Cyril Rampahosa, meanwhile, has asked Muslims to pray at home during the month of Ramadan to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Photo: AFP