The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) welcomes the conviction of the eight former police officers found guilty of murdering Mozambican national Mido Macia.
This case has caused irreparable harm to the family of Mr. Macia, it has affected our international relations with Moçambique and it cast a long shadow over the honest attempts by the SAPS to rid the service of rogue cops.
While the SAHRC is highly appreciative of the clarity of the judgement particularly regarding the poor version on the part of the accused, the recent incident of police regarding the assault by Douglasdale police officials highlights the longterm nature of this scourge.
What is of concern is that the case of Mr. Macia as well as the Douglasdale one are highlighted by the use of photographic images. We have to ask what is happening where there are no cameras and no shining lights?
It is clear that our democratic policing suffers from the same notion of police forces worlwide, that power is fun and that human rights only enter that terrain with consistent persistence.
The SAHRC started to work with the SAPS on long term plans to eradicate police brutality and to establish a culture of human rights in policing. The commitment by the SAPS to professionalise the police and to operate as an integral part of the new democratic order is appreciated. Managing an organsation of more than 200 000 officials requires all the support South African society can provide.
Enquiries:
Isaac Mangena
Cell: 071 884 8273
E-mail: info@sahrc.org.za
