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| Media Statement The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) wishes to state that the National Commissioner's statement about the existence of the ICD is not surprising as he has always held reservations that he does not need to be monitored. The fact is that the volume of work coming the ICD's way as a result of unbelievable actions committed by some recalcitrant elements within the police service more than confirms the need for monitoring by an external body. While we welcome their decision to institute an internal monitoring system, our experience is that a lot of actions committed by the members go through the cracks and call for external impartial investigation. In fact in many instances when police members are required by law to make information about allegations of illegal action available, they have not come forward with the information. It is important to note that there are two positives that come out of the commissioner's statement. One is that there is a realisation within the service that there is a need for monitoring, hence they have this new unit. The other and more important aspect is that the National Commissioner has opened up debate about the existence of the Independent Complaints Directorate and South Africans can now enter the fray and perhaps tell Parliament how essential such a body is. The Acting Executive Director of the ICD, Mr Leslie Xinwa said: “We need to emphasise that the South African model of policing oversight is highly regarded in Africa and internationally. We have been lobbying for the concept of policing oversight and we are regarded as pioneers in this field, internationally and in Africa , more so because of our own independent impartial investigations. We wish to reiterate that we strongly believe that policing oversight is a must in a democratic society”Enquiries: Steve Mabona |
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