The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sought to clarify why it is investigating the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). It says it wants to determine whether the directorate has sufficient resources to enable it to hold police officers accountable.
The party launched a Parliamentary probe into the IPID following a shocking rise in police misconduct cases.
The IPID’s 2023-2024 Annual Performance Report revealed over 5 000 cases, including those involving deaths in custody, torture, and assault.
DA Member of Parliament Lisa Schickerling says the SAPS should implement a strict zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.
“We want continuous psychological assessments to be done on all police recruits and current serving officers to ensure that they are mentally fit for duty. We will call for advanced training programs that focus on de-escalation techniques, human rights awareness, and ethical policing. Additionally, the SAPS must implement a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct with immediate suspension and criminal prosecutions for officers involved in serious abuses. To achieve these reforms, we’re going to advocate for amendments to the SAPS Act and greater parliamentary oversight over the appointment and accountability of senior police officials,” Schickerling says.
[COMING UP] The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is condemning Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to classify the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report on the Phala Phala saga as “top secret”.#sabcnews #FirstTakeSA pic.twitter.com/I0Mb8sKh3K
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) March 6, 2025
— Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID (@RSA_IPID) March 5, 2025
