Increase in brutality and criminality in Police unacceptable

"The 37% increase in brutality and criminality in the Police with 6 728 incidents last year, according to the annual report of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), is unacceptable. The Minister of Police, Mr. Nathi Mthethwa, must explain and inform the public what he is going to do to stop brutality and criminality in the Police.

The fact that rapes in police custody had increased from 40 to 168 incidents in the last financial year is proof of weak action against criminality in the Police. The minister is paying lip-service to the public when he says that strong action will be taken against members of the Police who are found to be guilty of misconduct," Dr. Pieter Groenewald, the chief spokesperson on Police for the Freedom Front Plus says.

"The fact that the minister had acknowledged earlier in an official reply to my question, that no disciplinary steps have been taken since 2009 against any member of the Police where courts had granted civil claims against the Police, confirms that the lack of action against these members has promoted brutality and criminal action. Some members of the Police think that they are above the law and are untouchable. It is scandalous and the minister should take full responsibility for the poor management of the Police Service," Groenewald said.

Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus chief spokesperson: Police, October 2 2013

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