Metro Cop who attacked Sea Point resident faces disciplinary charges

By Rhodé Marshall
25 April 2008

The investigation into the Metro Police officer who has been accused of assaulting a female Sea Point resident has been completed. He now faces disciplinary charges which will take the form of a internal hearing on 12 and 13 May.

Constable Lourens Bester became knows to the public after he apparently assaulted Deidre O’Neil on 25 March this year – outside Sea Point High School – for not cleaning up her dog’s faeces.

“Statements had been received from Mrs O’Neil and two witnesses, the hearing would seek to determine whether the force used by the officer in arresting Mrs O’Neil was appropriate.

According to the Constable Bester the action of the woman was a contravention of a bylaw related to cleaning up dog faeces in public places, which resulted in him choosing to arrest her.