Western Cape Police Ombudsman marks more than a decade of independent police oversight as new Ombudsman is appointed
More than a decade ago, the Western Cape Government established South Africa’s first and, to date, only provincial Police Ombudsman. The vision was to give residents an independent avenue to seek answers and redress when they believe the police service has failed them, while strengthening accountability, and improving policing services.
Since becoming operational in 2015, the Western Cape Police Ombudsman (WCPO) has become an important pillar of civilian oversight. The entity independently investigates complaints of police inefficiency and works to resolve breakdowns in relations between communities and the police.
The WCPO’s track record over more than a decade demonstrates the value of this institution: by 31 March 2026, it had received a cumulative 5 475 complaints and finalised 5 421, representing an impressive 99% finalisation rate.
During the 2025/26 financial year alone, 353 complaints were received and 299 finalised. Of these, 111 resulted in findings against the police of which 59 were substantiated and resolved during the investigation process, while a further 52 were substantiated with recommendations for corrective action or systemic improvement.
We also recognise that effective oversight must be accessible to all residents, including those in rural and underserved communities. Through its participation in the provincial Thusong Centre Outreach Programme, the Office extended its reach to communities across the West Coast, Garden Route, Cape Winelands and Central Karoo, helping residents understand their rights, access its services and seek assistance where appropriate.
The latest chapter in the development of the institution has been the five-year tenure of Major General (Retired) Oswald Reddy, who assumed office on 1 October 2021. His contribution has been instrumental in strengthening the WCPO as a modern, professional and evidence-driven oversight institution.
Under his leadership, significant attention was given to strengthening governance, reviewing internal policies and operational processes, improving performance management and enhancing the quality and consistency of investigations. He also prioritised staff development, knowledge sharing and a culture of continuous learning, recognising that a strong institution depends on capable people supported by effective systems.
We thank Major General Reddy for his dedicated service and the leadership he has provided over the past five years.
We are therefore pleased to announce the appointment of Advocate Mervyn Menigo as the new Western Cape Police Ombudsman, with effect from 1 December 2026.
Adv Menigo brings more than 27 years of experience in the criminal justice system, including over a decade specialising in organised crime prosecution. He currently serves as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (Organised Crime) in the Western Cape.
With his qualifications and experience in public-sector governance, strategic management and commercial mediation, he brings a valuable combination of legal expertise, leadership and an understanding of the challenges facing our criminal justice system.
Minister Marais said, “I am confident that Adv Menigo will be a tremendous asset to the Western Cape Police Ombudsman and to our broader efforts to build a more accountable police service in the province. His extensive experience in the criminal justice system, gives him valuable insight into the challenges facing policing in our province.”
“I am confident that he will build on the strong foundations of the office and further strengthen its ability to hold the police accountable to the people they serve. Ultimately, residents must have confidence that when they raise concerns about police inefficiency or misconduct, those concerns will be independently and fairly investigated, and that accountability will follow where it is warranted,” Minister Marais added.
Premier Winde said, “In addition to continuously bolstering our efforts to make the Western Cape safer for our residents, through the WCPO we have added another layer to our safety plan to build stronger accountability and relationships between communities and law enforcement.
Major General (Retired) Reddy’s service to the WCPO and our province has been invaluable, and we thank him for his dedication. I welcome the appointment of Adv Menigo and urge him to build on the important work of the WCPO.”
Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw
MLO to the Premier
0836277246
Regan.Thaw@Westerncape.gov.za
Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
0842851975
Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za