The IFP calls on the Minister of Police to urgently explain why radical changes are being considered to the uniforms and rank symbols of police reservists, which would differentiate them from fulltime officers.

Speaking about a new draft Police policy that also intends to bar reservists from doing day-to-day police work, Velaphi Ndlovu, IFP Spokesperson on Police said, "Our biggest concern is that reservists should not have their hands tied for no good reason. Without them, many stations would simply not cope."

"Reservists voluntarily do all the dangerous work of police officers; they are also in the line of fire, they also make arrests, they also stop crime. Why does the Department want to prevent them from making this vital contribution?" Ndlovu asked.

At a time when even South Africa's President has lamented that crime is extraordinarily pervasive and violent, it makes no sense that the Department of Police should want to forfeit the help of 53 200 reservists. "The Minister needs to explain this," Ndlovu urged.

The commitment to more visible policing will also be dealt a blow if reservists are differentiated from police officers, as having different uniforms will lessen their perceived authority.

Statement issued by the Inkatha Freedom Party, October 1 2009

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