The mandatory helmet check launched on March 1 is not without damage. The police are implicated, accused by public opinion of “ excesses and brutality “. Incidents were filmed and broadcast on the networks forcing general management to speak out and sanction its agents. But the criticism doesn’t fade.
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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
Denunciations against the police have increased with three incidents which have shocked public opinion in the last fortnight. The first in Natitingou where a video showed a man on the ground beaten with batons and punched in the ribs by rangers.
Second incident, also filmed, where we see a police officer hanging on the open door of a bus, the uniformed officer disputes the steering wheel with the driver to try to immobilize him. On board, panicked passengers were screaming.
And then this Wednesday on the outskirts of Cotonou, a mason died after falling from his motorcycle. A bus ran over him. Another matter of control. In response, the population burned tires and blocked the Cotonou – Porto-Novo route.
We learn that the police hierarchy punished three police officers in Cotonou; the perpetrators of the beating of Natitingou are in pre-trial detention and will be judged on April 24 along with the author of the video.
Public opinion disapproves of the latter’s detention and still criticizes the police on the networks and on the radio. An MP from the Talon camp is also against.
A police toll-free number is open to register complaints.