By Annisa Essack
06:09:2022

According to the police watchdog IPID report for 2021–2022, 662 incidents in the Western Cape were referred to the organisation for review between April 2021 and March 2022. These include rape and murder in custody allegations. Of these, 215 cases (32.5%) warranted action.

The Western Cape’s MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, joined Radio Islam International to unpack the issues.

Allen says that the review is an indictment of SAPS and added that the service offered by SAPS is a travesty for those who should be protecting citizens and upholding the law, allegedly are guilty of committing crimes.

He says that he is “deeply disturbed” by the report.

He explained that the steps introduced via the report mean that the recommendations must be actioned with disciplinary action, ranging from a warning to charges against the perpetrators. The report will be forwarded to the Police Standing Committee in Parliament, and the cases will be finalised by the end of September. Allen added that SAPS members must understand that many police work under challenging circumstances, but no one is above the law.

Allen says the community’s mistrust towards SAPS has seen less of these crimes perpetrated by SAPS members against citizens being reported.

On whether IPID was fulfilling its mandate, Allen says that the organisation is “doing a sterling” job, especially in its role of investigation. He says that his engagement with CPFs, neighbourhood watches and residents has been positive as cases reported to IPID have been speedily investigated, ensuring good relations between all stakeholders.

On the DA’s march calling for the sacking of Police Minister Bheki Cele, Allen says there has been much politicking since the minister came into office. According to him, the police service should not be a force but rather foster a credible working relationship with communities where members serve with dignity and pride.

Leadership from the top was lacking, which he says needs to change.

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