MINISTER MTHETHWA CONDEMNS ALLEGED NORTH WEST POLICE BRUTALITY INCIDENT

PRETORIA - 15 March 2013.  The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has strongly condemned the latest incident of alleged police brutality in Lomanyaneng, North West and labeled it an embarrassment to the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

The Minister has welcomed the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) arrest of the suspect as well as the SAPS North West provincial management's swift action in suspending the suspect, pending the case being heard through the criminal justice system.

He said police officers should be working with communities, fighting crime within the framework of the law and not abuse the law.  "We condemn any act of police brutality as such incidents are not what we want to see or want to become accustomed to, in a democracy that is bound by the rule of law, and where we have many dedicated police officers who continue to serve with excellence." 

"We must all of us as society mobilize and sustain a campaign against any allegations of police brutality and lawlessness, across all spheres of society.  Critical in fighting crime is the campaign to weed out elements within the criminal justice system who are engaged in various acts of crime, even if it involves our own officers," added the Minister.

The Constitution guarantees rights and imposes responsibilities on the citizens of the Republic. As a matter of fact, Section 205 of the Constitution speaks specifically to the South African Police Service and enjoins the members of the service to the following; to prevent, combat and investigate crime. It also speaks of all members to maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property as well as uphold and enforce the law.

Minister Mthethwa has now urged all in society to afford the criminal justice system space to deal with the case and has confidence that the courts will reveal the truth of what transpired.

The suspect is appearing at the Mmabatho Magistrates Court today.

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, March 15 2013

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