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Media Alert 3 May 2004
Fax: (011) 280-5150/1 Dear Sir RE: RATING THE METRO POLICE The article by Vusumuzi ka Nzapheza of 4 April 2004, in which metro police forces in Gauteng were profiled, underscores the important role that Municipal Police Services (MPS) play in crime prevention and policing in general. It is important to note that the powers of the MPS extend far beyond policing traffic violations and could, therefore, be open to abuse, if left unchecked. That is why the Independent Complaints Directorate's (ICD) civilian oversight mandate over the SAPS was extended to include oversight over Municipal Police Services (MPS) through Section 53(2) of the South African Police Service Act (Act No. 68 of 1995). The ICD's mandate is to investigate criminality perpetrated by members of the SAPS and the various MPS. This includes deaths in MPS custody and as a result of MPS action. Other criminality that the ICD can investigate ranges from corruption to theft to excessive use of force and any other criminal acts allegedly committed by members of the various municipal police forces. Internationally, particularly in the USA and in most European countries, external oversight is embraced as a necessary means to deal with criminality within police forces, and as a way of instilling public confidence in the independent investigation of such criminality perpetrated by law enforcement officials. Many countries in Africa have started to explore external policing oversight as an option to legitimize policing in line with NEPAD's philosophy of promoting a respect for human rights, even by the state. This was evident in the participation and interest shown during the ICD's recent policing oversight conference in Africa, which was held at the end of January 2004 in Sandton. Similarly, by embracing the concept of external oversight, the MPS will be sending a message that they will not try to cover-up corruption or perceptions of it within their ranks, but that they are open to scrutiny by external agencies such as the ICD. The need for external oversight is underscored by the recent Katlehong case in which the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police were involved in the shooting of two youths. This case was investigated by the ICD in line with its mandate to investigate deaths at the hands of the police. Also, the fact that the various MPS have set up or are in the process of setting up dog units, means that they may face similar problems faced by the SAPS. If there are no mechanisms to deal with policing issues arising from operations by the MPS, we may have to deal with bigger problems in the future. The ICD wishes to commend the Tshwane Metro Police for establishing a unit to deal with crimes against women. Since overseeing the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act by the various MPS is part of our mandate, we look forward to working together with the various MPS in ensuring that crimes against women and children are dealt with effectively and efficiently.
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