Some police officers in Tamale in the Northern Region of Republic of Ghana have subjected residents in the area to caning and beatings for engaging in power theft, popularly known as illegal connection.
The officers were attached to the Revenue Protection Unit of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company ( NEDCo) for routine checks.
However, in a viral video, the officers are seen beating and lashing a man in handcuffs in Lamashegu, a suburb of Lamashegu for allegedly engaging in illegal connection and enjoying electricity freely.
In handcuffs, the man lay of the ground while the officers lash him.
Another man in a blue polo shirt was also seen being lashed while police officers around him were attempting to handcuff him.
Meanwhile, the police administration has since issued a statement to apologise for the unfortunate incident.
In the statement signed by the Acting Director-General of the Public Affairs Department of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Kwesi Ofori said that four of the officers have been interdicted for their action.
The statement said the four breached the standard operating procedure of the Service.
“The officers will face a service inquiry, subject to the regulations of the Ghana Police Service,” the statement said.
“We apologise unconditionally to the affected persons and the general public,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, a source at NEDCo has told energynewsafrica.com that management has seen videos of the unfortunate incident and are investigating the issue.
According to the source, NEDCo will issue a statement when it concludes its investigation.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com