WATCH: Video of officers harassing vendor launches JMPD investigation
Social media was in an uproar this week when a community member captured footage of a woman trader being harassed by two Johannesburg Metro Police officers and shared the video online.
By now we all know the power the internet holds and how quickly something can go viral.
READ: "I don't know who the father of my child is" - KZN listener
Especially something bad.
Whether it is a YouTuber saying the wrong thing or a personality making a mistake on-air.
READ: Editor Piet Rampedi issues an apology, believes 'Tembisa 10' pregnancy was real
One of the many advantages of going viral is when the wrongful actions or injustices of the world are captured and called out.
This week, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) came under fire when a video showing them allegedly harassing a street vendor was posted on Facebook.
READ: Local mom becomes Chatsworth Small Claims Court's first female chairperson
Tony Oliveira De Sousa was in the area when he noticed what seemed to be two JMPD officers harassing and manhandling a woman.
He started recording the altercation and began approaching the scene before questioning the officers.
READ: WATCH: David Hasselhoff tries to speak Zulu in new Chicken Licken ad
As it turns out, the officers had confiscated the lady's dog beds which she had been selling in an attempt to try and make a living.
These officers tried to come and ask her for a bribe as she did not have a vending license. Due to her not having made a sale today she could not afford to pay them. So instead they then decide to start taking away all her items.
READ: Ane, the little girl who captured SA's hearts, loses her battle with cancer
According to Tony, the police officers were also acting very suspiciously.
I asked these police officers to identify themselves multiple times to which they refused. Both officers were not in full uniform either and had no legal right or leg to stand on acting in this manner esspecially not being in uniform.
READ: Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson have officially called it quits!
You can watch all the videos from the incident below:
READ: #ECRPresenterSearch: Three semi-finalists take over the show in Chatsworth!
Tony and other community members tried their best to have Lebo's things returned, but to no avail.
The police had informed Lebo that she would have to pay R3,700 in order to get her products back.
READ: SEE: Influencer reveals scarred face after TikTok beauty hack goes wrong
The Johannesburg Metro Police have released an official media statement addressing the matter.
They claim that the video has been brought to their attention, as well as the fact that the officers had allegedly tried to encourage the vendor to bribe them in order to have her goods returned. They have now launched an internal investigation.
You can read the full statement below:
READ: WATCH: Stacey & J Sbu, Morning Live News team poke fun at viral 'Jessica' video
Luckily, by partnering with an NGO, Lebo received the money that she needed.
Thanks to a community that recognised the injustice taking place and was willing to take a stand against it, Lebo's items have been returned and are safely in her possession.
Hopefully, the JMPD will ensure that this never happens again.
Main image courtesy of Tony Oliveira De Sousa/JMPD Facebook