IPID annual report reveals deeply worrying alleged SAPS contraventions | Western Cape Government

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IPID annual report reveals deeply worrying alleged SAPS contraventions

5 September 2022

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report for the 2021/22 financial year shows that in the Western Cape, between April 2021 to March 2022, 662 cases were referred to the entity for investigation. Of these, 215 (32.5%) were cases where steps were recommended.

Matters that requires action to be taken against SAPS members are as follows:

11 (5.1%) Deaths as a result of police action at:

Khayelitsha, Lingelethu West, Elsies River, Mbekweni, Lentegeur, Philippi East, Piketberg, Kleinvlei, Hermanus, Nyanga and Philippi.

7 (3.3%) Death in police custody at:

Groot Brakriver, Heidelberg, Gansbaai, Swellendam, Macassar, Dysseldorp and Grabouw.

9 (4.1%) Rape by police officer at:

Oudtshoorn, Vredenburg, Mitchell’s Plain, Malmesbury, Wynberg, Nyanga, Mfuleni, Riebeeck West and Brackenfell police stations.

10 (4.7%) Counts of torture at:

Nyanga x2 and Kleinmond x2, then Rondebosch, Philippi, Steenberg, Langa, Manenberg and Ocean View with one each.

11 (5.1%) Discharge of an official firearm at:

Manenberg, Thembalethu, Hermanus, Villiersdorp, Khayelitsha, Bothasig, Wolseley and Fish Hoek

Minister Reagen Allen said: “These statistics are horrific, a disgrace and an indictment on SAPS. It’s a complete travesty that the very service should be protecting all of us, while upholding the law have allegedly made themselves guilty of committing crime. Deaths, rapes and any other crime committed by a SAPS officer can and will never be condoned. It’s enough that many residents have to deal with criminals. This is part of the reason why many residents have lost faith and trust in SAPS, as some members are seen to operate like criminals.”

While the majority, 447 (67.5%) requires no further action, it is deeply concerning to note that 366 of these cases are assault matters. Pertaining to the 215 cases where steps should be taken against SAPS members, 160 (74.4%) are also assault matters. Further to this, the assault investigations (assault common and Assault GBH) occurred at 70 different police stations in the province. Of the total 70 police stations, the top 10 assault stations accounted for 65 cases of assault.

These top 10 stations are:

Top 10 stations

The SAPS initiated disciplinary action in 160 of the 215 cases. Of these, 129 (80.6%) have been finalised, 5 (3.1%) matters were still under investigation, 12 (7.5%) decisions to initiate hearings were still pending, and 14 (8.8%) disciplinary hearings were still in progress. Overall, the progress shows that the SAPS is acting on the IPID recommendations.

In giving effect to its legislative mandate, the Department of Community Safety (DoCS) must monitor and report on the implementation of Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommendations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province.

“I urge the Provincial Police Commissioner, where matters have not been finalised, to swiftly deal with these members that have allegedly broken their oath of office. We cannot have individuals such as these in the SAPS, as this should be a fully-fledged and law-abiding professional service that only has the best interest of society at heart. SAPS must embark on a concerted effort to reverse the current situation,” continued Minister Reagen Allen.

Minister Reagen Allen added: “This is more evidence as to why the devolution of SAPS to a capable provincial government is urgently required. Under our watch, we would ensure that members toe the line, and that they serve with dignity and pride. Criminality from those who should be combatting illegalities will and should not be tolerated.”

“I’ll be visiting these stations and engage commanders to ascertain staff morale, but to also remind the men and women in blue of their responsibility to citizenry. We know that they work under immense strain but seeing these types of reports is inexcusable. Our residents should not be fearful of SAPS, and therefore it’s critical that we have a vibrant and committed SAPS that functions within the confines of the law,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Reagen Allen
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 0103 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)