McBride's nomination another stain on police's reputation

Convicted murderer Robert McBride's nomination as the new chief of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is a slap in the face for law-abiding citizens, trade union Solidarity said today (see TRC's amnesty ruling here). McBride's nomination is another disgrace to the already beleaguered South African Police Service (SAPS). Solidarity is currently obtaining legal advice, and should McBride's appointment be approved, the union will legally contest the appointment on behalf of its members.

Flip Buys, General Secretary of Solidarity, says South Africa's taxpayers are tired of seeing their hard-earned money bankrolling repeated inappropriate appointments. Taxpayers have to stand by powerlessly and watch cadre deployment being put before effective service delivery. ‘To consider a person with McBride's background for the position as head of an organisation that acts as a watchdog for the police is outrageous and sends the wrong message.

This position requires a credible person who inspires confidence. McBride's nomination undermines the constitutional provision that the public administration must promote and maintain a high standard of professional ethics. The fact that Minister Nathi Mthethwa is even considering McBride for the position is an indication that police management do not take their constitutional mandate seriously, but are more interested in enforcing the ANC's policy of cadre deployment at all costs.'

Buys says the police's constitutional mandate is, among other things, to prevent, to combat and to investigate crime. ‘The IPID's watchdog role of investigating crime within the SAPS is crucial. Citizens want to be assured that this role will be fulfilled with integrity, transparency and the seriousness it deserves. McBride's history casts suspicion on his suitability for the position and will cause confidence in the SAPS to drop even further. If the government are serious about restoring and promoting South Africa's image both locally and internationally, they must immediately withdraw McBride's nomination for the post. If they fail to do so, the SAPS will not be able to carry out their mandate of protecting and safeguarding South Africa's residents and their property with credibility.'

Statement issued by Johan Kruger, Spokesperson: Solidarity, November 13 2013

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