The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has noted certain media reports around the vacancy rate at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and subsequent reports that these have not been filled because “the executive authority (Minister) is still applying his mind.”
The Minister wishes to highlight that the post for the Head of IPID was advertised publicly in July this year. In line with the Public Service Act, following closing date of the applications, a short-listing process was embarked on and short-listed candidates interviewed; however no suitable candidate was identified. There was then a second phase of the process where interviews took place last week in Pretoria.
Again, in line with the Public Service Act the Minister cannot make a unilateral decision on the appointment but once a successful candidate has been identified, the process still has to go to Cabinet for concurrence and final approval. Cabinet will deliberate on this process at its next in the coming weeks.
In relation to the appointment of permanent Provincial Heads of IPID, such a process will be finalised once a permanent Head of IPID is appointed. “We recognize the importance of a permanent Head as well as the Provincial Heads of IPID.
However part of the delay in finalizing these appointments, particularly around the Provincial Heads, was the fact that some of potential candidates did not meet certain requirements. In fact, one of the first priorities of the Head of IPID would be put in place a management structure at the provincial level through the filling of these posts,” stated the Minister.
The Minister also assured the public that pending the filling of all vacancies at IPID, the institution continued to be effective and that its primary role of ‘policing the police’ has not been compromised. The IPID Act that the ministry put to Parliament which resulted in IPID shifting its focus from Independent Complaints Directorate to IPID, sought to strengthen its oversight capacity as well as ensuring that the rule of law in observed even by the police.
“For IPID to be able to achieve this goal, it needs to have capacity. However in recognition of this important structure, we are cautious not to fill the vacancies wily-nilly or merely to meet a deadline, without prior analysis including conducting the necessary competency tests, checks and balances. We need credible and well-trained investigators who can help us secure convictions against those who shame our badge and uniform through criminal acts,” concluded the Minister.
Media enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Spokesperson to the Minister of Police
Cell: 082 045 4024
