Ensure Security condemns brutal assault of Durban homeless man, suspends officers

Ensure Security Services has strongly condemned the conduct of its officers captured in a video brutally assaulting a homeless man in Durban.

The company described their actions as “completely unacceptable” and in violation of the company’s professional standards and core values.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the security firm said it has zero tolerance for behaviour that undermines the safety, dignity, or rights of members of the public. The company confirmed it only became aware of the incident earlier on the day of the statement and immediately launched a full internal investigation.

Director of the Denis Hurley Centre said the incident happened outside the Embassy Building in Durban CBD before Christmas. The centre said the victim was last seen when he was taken by Ensure officers in a vehicle following the assault.

"All officers involved have been placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the probe. The matter has also been formally reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), with Ensure Security pledging full cooperation with law enforcement authorities," said the company.

Ensure Security said its preliminary findings indicate that the individual involved was not a defenceless homeless person, but a known criminal allegedly linked to a broader syndicate involving vehicle parts and copper theft in the city.

"The suspect was reportedly already in the hands of members of the public when officers arrived. After being apprehended, he allegedly led the team to the buyer and head of the syndicate, who was also detained. Both individuals were handed over to SAPS for processing," said the company.

The company criticised what it called the “rash and irresponsible” sharing of the video, saying it had resulted in public judgment of the organisation based on the unauthorised actions of a small number of employees who acted without instruction or approval.

The company confirmed the matter is now being handled by its legal team and said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

While emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability, the company expressed disappointment that the centre published the video on social media before notifying the company or allowing it an opportunity to investigate the matter.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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