Media statement by My Francois Beukman, Executive Director of the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) on various investigations in Gauteng and North West, Emalahleni

Today I had an opportunity to visit the family of the late Ms Jeanette Odendaal. I assured them that the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) is committed to investigating the death of their daughter independently and impartially to ensure that the suspect is brought to book. The suspect has already made a first appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court. He will appear again tomorrow for a formal bail application.

Along with the shooting of Ms Odendaal, the ICD is investigating a number of cases of brutality by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Assault is a priority crime in terms of the new Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) legislation, which will come into being soon. In terms of that legislation, the police will have to report such incidents to the IPID and failure to report will have penalties. This will ensure that assault receives the necessary priority and that it doesn’t go unpunished.

Yesterday, we issued a statement regarding an arrest made by our investigators in Stilfontein, North West following another shooting of a civilian by a policeman. The shooting occurred after an argument that started at a tavern in the township. The Constable went home and fetched his service pistol and shot the deceased, injuring the deceased’s brother in the process. The Constable was arrested by the ICD’s investigators.

It is important that the constutional rights of citizens are respected by the police at all times. Both the President and the Minister of Police have condemned police brutality.

The role of the ICD is to investigate independently, impartially and without fear or favour. We call on members of the public to come forward and report any complaints of assault and other offences allegedly committed by members of the SAPS. We will do our best to investigate them.

I have instructed that the weekend assault of Mr Theuns Potgieter in Pretoria which was also captured on CCTV be investigated. The ICD’s Gauteng provincial office has started investigating. We will report progress soon.

I am confident that these cases and others that the ICD is investigating will ensure justice for the victims, when the cases are concluded in the courts.