A police officer was arrested in Alexandra in connection with the alleged assault of a man suspected of theft, police said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Constable Neria Malefetse said the police officer was found at extension seven in Alexandra shortly after 9pm at a scene where a man had been stripped naked, beaten and tied with wire.

The man was apparently suspected by the community for being involved in theft.

Malefetse said it was not known if the police officer was on or off-duty at the time he allegedly assaulted the theft suspect.

She said the beaten man was taken to Alexander clinic.

Police were still at the scene on Saturday night talking to eyewitnesses, trying to gather more information about the incident.

Sapa