The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa wants a speedily yet thorough investigation into the alleged shooting of a Soweto teenager, Thato Mokoka by a police officer on Tuesday night. He has instructed the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) to conduct this investigation by ensuring they leave no stone unturned and ensure fairness and objectivity, whilst at the same time will has already begun demanding answers from the police management.
"We are taking this approach because we want to ensure we do not prejudice or prejudge anyone person unjustifiably. Equally we want to ensure that a harshest punishment is handed over to any police officer who is involved in brutality. We have emphasised the point that there is no place for tsotsi-cops in the service. Police officers who abuse their powers, harassing and murdering innocent people in this day and age, are not deserving to be called police officers and must therefore face the full might of the law."
"I have now instructed those who police the police, the ICD, to provide an comprehensive report on who did what, under what circumstances and what motivated such actions? If indeed the police officer who is currently a suspect, is found to have abused his powers I would expect serious and harsh steps taken against the officer. For now let us afford the ICD to do its work and await the final report," stated the Minister.
Minister Mthethwa also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Mokoka family. He expressed sadness at this unfortunate loss of such an innocent life. "No amount of comfort words can begin to express how saddened I am upon hearing about this unfortunate loss of this young person’s life. On behalf of the police leadership, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family. We shall ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated."
The Ministry finalised the Independent Police Investigative Directorate legislation with an express purpose of strengthening the ICD to curb and address any police brutality. The new legislation will be enacted in the next two months and focuses primarily on enhancing the investigative powers and capacity of ICD. Whilst the campaign to rid out officers who are involved in criminality is ongoing, we shall expect the ICD to come up with harsher recommendations which must be implemented to the fullest. If police officers are involved in unlawful acts we also expect that proper investigations are done and they face the full might of the law.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
Minister Mthethwa tasks ICD to speed up investigation on shooting of Soweto teen
