Following reports in the social media that South African Police Service (SAPS) members in KwaZulu-Natal intended to strike after dissatisfaction over the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID's) handling of a police shooting at Pinetown, Provincial Police management and IPID management met at the Provincial Commissioners office to address concerns from both sides.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni informed stakeholders that she had met unions prior to the meeting and both unions, POPCRU and SAPU have indicated that it was never the intention of SAPS members to go on strike. Unions felt that there were mischievous intentions behind messages on the social networks that SAPS members were going to down tools. Both unions felt that this issue needed to be dealt with by both management of the SAPS and IPID. After both sides had aired their concerns both parties resolved to speak to their members and encourage them to improve working relations and co-operation on the ground. IPID stated that it was currently policy that in all cases where a person is killed by police officials whether in the line of duty or not, a murder docket has to be opened. This might change if police and IPID agree on a memorandum of understanding that will foster better working relations and understanding of each other’s roles.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with IPID and encouraged the IPID to continue arresting corrupt police officers. “We understand the mandate of the IPID and we will be speaking to our members to allay fears that IPID members are insensitive to the killing of police officers. I am very grateful that Mrs. Mbeki and her team from IPID agreed to meet us on such short notice. SAPS management remains committed to supporting our members at any cost,” said Lieutenant General Ngobeni.
The IPID and the SAPS are partners in the fight against crime; this quest includes the common objective of fighting crime committed by members of the SAPS. In order for the fight against crime to be won, it is imperative that the relationship between all the role players be strong. Both parties commit themselves to communicate with their members to ensure that each institution’s role is properly understood. The IPID has a legal mandate to investigate deaths in police custody and deaths as a result of police action. The SAPS has a legal mandate to investigate all crime in the country. Both institutions respect and support each other in the fulfillment of each institution’s respective mandate.
“In respect of the Pinetown incident, no arrests have been made and no charges have been brought against anyone. The IPID and SAPS management understand and acknowledge that police risk their lives to protect law abiding citizens of the country and the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Both parties affirm that the law allows the police the right to defend themselves and others when faced with life threatening situations,” said Mrs. Mbeki.
The IPID and SAPS both condemn the killing of police officers and believe that all efforts should be made to bring the culprits to book so that they face the full might of the law. From now going forward, there will be regular meetings to deal with problems that may arise. Management at provincial and national level will meet to iron out any further concerns that may arise from time to time.
Enquiries:
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
Colonel Jay Naicker
082 556 7865
SAPS and IPID management meet in KwaZulu-Natal
