Bread price champion Imraahn Mukaddam was arrested outside his home in Elsies River on Friday for being in possession of stolen bread crates.
Mukaddam, formerly of the Elsies River Community Policing Forum and a member of the Inspire Elsies Network, was on his way to a meeting at the Elsies River police station with the CFO of Inspire Elsies, Charmen Gribi, when a cable tie was placed around his arms by an officer of the Western Cape Flying Squad.
SHOCK: Imraahn Mukaddam kept in a cop car 'without fresh air or water'
Mukaddam and Charmen had been preparing to mobilise for a search party for missing eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk of Ravensmead.
In videos of the arrests, Charmen filmed herself being smacked by the officer when she questioned him about his identity, and asked to see his badge and warrant.
Mukaddam was kept inside a Flying Squad vehicle for 30 minutes without water and fresh air.
He was then brought water by his wife and daughter, who started speaking to cops, while his son was also briefly handcuffed.
Mukaddam says in the video: “I cannot breathe, you have closed the
windows.
“Over crates, a private matter which is not the work of the police.
“I didn’t ask you to release my handcuff but to make it a bit loose, you are abusing me, I am not an animal.
“I never resisted arrest. I asked you to identify yourself because where is the warrant and where is your identity or badge? How must I know you are a police officer?”
Police spokesperson Mihali Majiekla confirmed Mukaddam’s arrest on charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property.
Mukaddam and Charmen were released just after 6pm on Friday and was warned to be at the Goodwood Magistrate's Court today.
In 2006, Mukaddam, who does bread deliveries, blew the whistle on bread price-fixing and exposed giants Tiger Brands, Pioneer and Premier Foods, resulting in Tiger Brands being fined R99 million by the Competitions Tribunal.
Mukaddam took to Facebook after his ordeal and posted: “All praise to the Almighty. Missed my Jumu’ah because of the malicious actions of certain companies who use the police in trivial price competition disputes.
“Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. I will give more information after my court appearance as I do not wish to jeopardise my case.”