Pretoria - All citizens have a right to dignity as well as access to justice, says President Jacob Zuma.
Reacting to reports of the assault of 49-year-old Ester Mankge in Jane Furse, Limpopo, who was accused of shoplifting, the President condemned the assault by the security guards, which was caught on camera and posted on social networks.
"Regardless of the alleged crime, all citizens have an inalienable right to human dignity as well as access to justice and the protection of the law.
“We applaud the actions of those who recorded this incident and those who recorded previous similar incidents of brutality or abuse,” said President Zuma.
The five suspects were arrested on Thursday, 11 April and appeared in court on Monday, where two of them were granted bail of R500 each.
The remaining three are in police custody for bail application that will be heard on 22 April 2013.
The President welcomed the arrest of the suspects and appealed for the law to be allowed to take its course.
He said this will assist a great deal in combating criminal behaviour and abuse.
“Our citizens clearly understand the country's human rights ethos and do not tolerate or turn a blind eye to abuse. That is very encouraging," added President Zuma. - SAnews.gov.za
