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Police Minister Bheki Cele.
Gallo Images / Darren Stewart
- A new toll-free number has been launched where the public can report suspected criminality or negligence by police officers.
- Police Minister Bheki Cele has encouraged people to use the number and says corrupt police officers should be brought to the registry.
- According to IPID, this toll-free number will ensure that no alleged police misconduct goes unreported due to lack of access or resources.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, along with the Executive Director of the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID), Jennifer Ntlatseng, announced on Monday the launch of a new toll-free number that the public can use to report crimes committed by officers. of cop.
According to IPID, this toll-free number will ensure that no alleged police misconduct goes unreported due to lack of access or resources.
“While I am sure most of the men and women in blue are good, hardworking, dedicated and honest officers, unfortunately some of ours dishonor us for their actions that discredit service,” Cele said at a news conference on Monday.
“As we all know, police misconduct, whether alleged or proven, has a negative impact on our society. Any transgression committed by any law enforcement officer erodes the trust communities have towards the police.
“Many of these police turned criminals have been brought to court. The public brings to light some irregularities. Communities also continue to denounce the poor services they sometimes receive at police stations.
Corrupt cops have no place in SA
“These law enforcement officers who choose to go against the same oaths they made to protect and serve, [and] I don’t have a place in the SAPS [South African Police Service]. It is in this sense that IPID has the mandate to carry out independent and impartial investigations of crimes allegedly committed by members of the SAPS and the municipal police. The bottom line is that IPID keeps the police under control at all times, “Cele said.
He said that IPID had in the past arrested officers implicated in alleged corruption and those who violated its constitutional mandate.
“Whatever the case, the IPID must exercise its powers fairly, impartially and without fear, favor or prejudice.”
The Minister of Police, General Cele, has officially issued the IPID toll-free number to ensure better access to communities to report any alleged police misconduct. pic.twitter.com/68E79xIqt0
– Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) (@IPID_ZA) October 12, 2020
Cele then proceeded to announce the new toll-free number, which it said would give citizens direct access to IPID to ensure accountability in law enforcement. The number is 0800 111696.
“With the launch of this hotline number, communities will have better access to justice and resources. I urge all South Africans to use this number wisely and responsibly.”
He said:
Inform the officers sleeping on duty. Report the officers who turn away victims of gender violence and domestic violence at the police stations. Report agents who abuse state resources and vehicles. Report officers who harass and intimidate citizens. Report agents who help sell drugs and protect drug dealers. Report all forms of corruption by agents.
Cele added that the results of the investigations must be concluded in time, so that the culprits can be brought to the book and the officers who are proven innocent can return to their posts.
He also thanked Ntlatseng, saying he was confident that she “will steer the ship in the right direction and bring the much-needed stability to this organization.”
‘We are ready to deal with police misconduct’
Ntlatseng said the number would be user friendly and user friendly.
“We will deal with cases of police misconduct, any police behavior, as indicated by the minister. Second, it is death in custody, death as a result of police action, pointing firearms by the police, rape , torture and assault, corruption, and police involvement in drugs.
“In line with [President Cyril Ramaphosa’s] call to tackle GBV – we want people to call us and tell us which agents are involved in GBV, that’s important. ”
He said the toll-free number would be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We will make sure to provide a quality service. We are also encouraging whistle-blowing, but more than anything it is about improving justice and recourse to our own people.
“We are ready. We tell the public that we are ready to take up any case that involves police misconduct.”
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