Johannesburg – Two policemen have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a man in custody, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said on Monday.

They were taken into custody on Sunday after an IPID investigation, spokesperson Moses Dlamini said.

The alleged assault took place on 11 October at 19:40, after the man was arrested for being in possession of housebreaking tools and taken to the Sunnyside police station.

“It is alleged that the assault by the two policemen started soon after the victim’s arrival at the station for detention,” said Dlamini.

“The victim was apparently assaulted in the cells until he lost consciousness. Thereafter, the policemen allegedly poured water on the victim to resuscitate him.”

They apparently continued to assault the man until a senior policeman, who heard a person screaming went to see what was happening.

He found the policemen assaulting the man.

The officers allegedly ignored his orders to stop.

The man was admitted to Tshwane District Hospital for six days.

The two officers were expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court later on Monday.

– SAPA