Minister Mthethwa must explain SAPS parallel legal system
As the Democratic Alliance (DA) has long suspected, there appears to be a parallel legal system for the members of the SAPS. There are worrying inconsistencies in the sanctions imposed on members of the police service who are found guilty of offences, and the sentences handed down in civilian cases.
This information is revealed in the data contained in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID's) Annual Report for 2010-2011 regarding departmental convictions.
In a reply to a DA parliamentary question, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa this week confirmed that 150 SAPS members are currently on suspension awaiting disciplinary action. The charges include murder, attempted murder, rape, assault and theft.
Since when is ‘disciplinary action' taken in relation to murder, attempted murder, rape, assault or theft? It will be interesting to see what form this disciplinary action will take as there does indeed appear to be a parallel legal system for the members of the SAPS.
The SAPS disciplinary regulations do not have clear guidelines on the appropriate sanctions for various offences. There appears to be one set of rules for ordinary citizens, and one for SAPS members.