The Portfolio Committee on Police has expressed concerns over incidents of police brutality which were recently reported in the media.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Francois Beukman, says if South Africa is to have a police service trusted by the community, it is important for provincial commissioners and station commanders to ensure that police officers under their supervision conduct themselves in the manner consistent with the code of conduct and the constitution of the country.
Mr Beukman says action needs to be taken against any SAPS member involved in incidents of brutality. He described as unfortunate and unacceptable the police brutality incident which happened in Kraaifontein, near Cape Town, where a woman was manhandled and stepped on her head by police officers. “Incidents like this go against every code of policing and tantamount to violation of human rights. Arrests need to be conducted in a manner respectful of one’s dignity,” said Mr Beukman.
He said the Kraaifontein incident was disconcerting, more especially as it occurred in the wake of the launch of the country’s campaign of the 16 days of activism of no violence against women and children. The Committee called on community members to immediately report such incidents to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
On the matter involving a serial killer who escaped from the Palm Ridge court on Tuesday, the Committee reiterated its call of ensuring removal of “bad apples” that might have had a hand in the escape of this convicted criminal.
Enquiries:
Temba Gubula
Tell: 021403 8307
Cell: 078 735 8809
E-mail: tgubula@parliament.gov.za
