The Portfolio Committee on Police was today told that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had so far investigated 66 rape cases involving police officers since April this year.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Francois Beukman, said police officers involved in rape cases do not belong in the police service and ordered South African Police Service (SAPS) management to take an uncompromising or strict stance on the matter. The Committee said it was important for the IPID to make proposals that would ensure harsh sentences for police officers found guilty.
With regards to strategies aimed at combating mall and business robberies, the Committee said it was critical for SAPS to establish mechanisms that would ensure early detection of criminal plans and devise strategies to prevent robberies.
Mr Beukman called on the business sector, security industry and SAPS to work together in formulating plans to combat robberies that are targeting businesses. He also called on community members to cooperate with SAPS and give information so that the police can investigate and avert any planned criminal activities.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Temba Gubula
Cell: 078 735 8809
Tel: 021 403 8307
E-mail: tgubula@parliament.gov.za
