Covid 19: Police Ombudsman asks citizens to lodge service delivery complaints against SAPS 

It has come to our attention through social media and other channels, that excessive force, vulgar language and other harsh forms of interaction are being used towards communities in the Western Cape, not only by the South African Police Service (SAPS), but by other Law Enforcement Agencies and the South African National Defense Force.    

We are reminded by what President Ramaphosa said in his speech on 30 March 2020, in that law enforcement agencies are there to support, to reassure, to comfort the citizens and to ensure that peace and order is maintained in our Country.  The President reiterated that the security personnel must act within the ambit of the law at all times and must not cause harm to any of our people.   

Citizens are encouraged to make use of our online facility to lodge their service delivery complaints against the South African Police Service in the Western Cape or Cape Town Metro Police Department, by visiting www.westerncape.gov.za/police-ombudsman/ or email ombudsman@wcpo.gov.za. 

For complaints of police brutality or excessive force, citizens are encouraged to contact the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, on complaints@ipid.gov.za or visit the IPID website to find out more.  Their website address is:  www.ipid.gov.za 

For complaints against the South African National Defense Force, complainants may be directed to the Military Ombudsman by emailing intake@milombud.org or by calling 080 726 6283, toll free.

As the office of the Western Cape Police Ombudsman, we commend those agencies who are doing their best to keep the streets and our communities safe, and we encourage all to respect the rule of law during this time.

In the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa,  "Our success relies on the effort and energies of every citizen and their commitment to help and assist others.  This crisis will not debilitate our nation. In how we have responded, we have affirmed the true character of our nationhood. It is strong, it is resilient and, above all, it is rooted in solidarity.  It is these attributes of our national character that won us our democracy and it is what will ensure our victory over this pandemic."

Please remain attentive and safe. 

Photo by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash