MAHIKENG – A North West policeman is expected to step into the dock on Friday, to face charges relating to the dragging an off-duty court interpreter behind a police vehicle.

The arrest of the sergeant comes less than two weeks after the torture and murder of Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia, who was dragged through the streets of Daveyton in Gauteng while handcuffed to a police van.

In the latest incident, the victim claims he was assaulted and dragged while trying to protect a youngster who was being harassed by two officers in the Setlopo village last week.

The sergeant was arrested on Wednesday, and is due to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court later today.

There has been widespread condemnation of this latest incident of alleged police brutality.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is investigating what happened in the North West last week Thursday, when the court interpreter suffered extensive injuries.

It is believed the man, who is still in hospital, was grabbed by the neck and dragged for around 100 metres.

North West Premier Thandi Modise is shocked and concerned such incidents are gaining momentum in the country.

Her spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said “Incidents of police brutality and violence unleashed on citizens by members of the police service have the potential to antagonise communities against the police and should be stamped out before it is too late.”

It remains to be seen whether the community will gather outside court as the police officer makes his first appearance.

The case is likely to be postponed for further investigation.

For more details go to www.ewn.co.za