Bodycam footage under scrutiny in Gavin Douglas’ death

November 4 2026

Investigators are examining police body camera footage which reportedly captured the confrontation between ranks and robbery suspect Gavin Douglas before his death in custody at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.

A senior police source confirmed that the arresting ranks were wearing body cameras when Douglas was taken into custody and that the footage is now being reviewed.

The Force’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which is leading the investigation, has also collected CCTV footage and digital video recorders from the station.

Police Standing Operating Procedures require ranks to wear their body cameras throughout their shifts and prohibit them from switching off the devices or deleting footage.

Ranks have alleged that Douglas attacked one of them and threw faeces at officers while they were attempting to place him in a cell. They admitted to using a taser on him twice.

However, in an interview with BIG Smith News Watch, one of the detained ranks claimed that some officers also struck Douglas to the head and abdomen.

A post-mortem examination subsequently revealed that Douglas suffered blunt-force trauma to the head and abdomen, with the head injuries causing a brain haemorrhage.

Four ranks, including an inspector attached to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, have been arrested as investigations continue.