The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes yesterday's announcement from Moses Dlamini, spokesperson for the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) that the ICD will conduct an investigation into what appears to be blatant police misconduct at an ANC Youth League Provincial Congress in Limpopo.

The DA on Monday laid a formal complaint with the ICD after video footage posted by the Times showed that members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit appeared to act on orders - to remove rival delegates from the venue - which were given to them by Julius Malema.

The South African Police Service Act clearly stipulates that that no SAPS member may, "further or prejudice party-political interests" and that no member shall, "publicly display or express support for or associate himself or herself with a political party, organisation, movement or body." 

Due to DA action, the ICD will now be investigating this matter. The impartiality and integrity of the police must be maintained at all costs. We cannot permit a situation where SAPS members follow orders given to them by civilians, and for party-political reasons.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard, MP, Democratic Alliance shadow minister of police, June 23 2010

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter