Latest news with #IPID
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Case Backlog at Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Contributing to Lack of Consequences within South African Police Service (SAPS)
The Portfolio Committee on Police is concerned that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) continues to face a huge case backlog, which negatively impacts on its ability to deliver on its mandate. The committee met with both IPID and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) on the revised annual performance plan and strategic plan. 'IPID plays a critical role in ensuring accountability from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the backlog directly undermines this drive. While the committee has noted various interventions to clear the backlog, the reality is that victims of police abuse of authority remain without recourse,' said Mr Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee is concerned that there is a backlog of 14 469 cases carried over to this financial year and has called for urgent strategies to remedy the concern. While the committee welcomes the R126.3 million additional funding over the medium term and is hopeful that it will significantly contribute to reducing the case backlog, it is concerned that the additional allocation without clear plans to overcome some of the internal systematic challenges will not resolve the problem. A major impediment for the IPID is the proportionally high case per investigator ratio, and the nominal increase of employees from 387 in the 2025/26 financial year to 421 in the 2027/28 financial year will not adequately resolve the challenge. In the context of the increasing cases reported to IPID, it is necessary to ensure that the directorate is adequately capacitated to increasing demand. Meanwhile, the committee acknowledged IPID's intentions to implement a new digital case management system that will enable the entity to monitor cases and ensure better tracking and communication with victims. Notwithstanding the plan, the committee has urged IPID to effectively implement the plan, as a functional system might have a positive impact on the case backlog. The committee also welcomes the establishment of the internal investigation, Forensic Services, quality assurance and research units. The committee is of the view that the envisioned capacity will ensure that IPID will have the skills set it needs to investigate complex reported corruption cases. The implementation of the recommendations made by IPID to SAPS is also a point of concern for the committee. The meeting today highlighted a concerning trend of SAPS seemingly ignoring strong recommendations made by IPID. 'This phenomenon erodes the effectiveness of IPID and its mandate and the committee resolved that there is a need for a laser focus on the rate of implementation of the recommendations,' Mr Cameron said. Meanwhile, the committee agreed with the Minister of Police that there must be a general improvement in the conduct of SAPS members. 'The bottom line is that there is no place in the SAPS for rogue police officers who engage in criminal activity. While the IPID provides the necessary checks and balances, the SAPS members must always be fit and proper for the service they must render to the people,' Mr Cameron emphasised. With regard to PSiRA, the committee has acknowledged the intention to implement a digital strategy that will ensure a seamless interaction process with users. Of major importance is functionality, such as verifying the training of private security officers through the digital platform. The committee also welcomes the intention to increase PSiRA's footprint to ensure that private security companies in Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West are able to access its services more easily. Also, the intention to increase monitoring operations will be critical in ensuring that private security companies are legally registered and compliant with legal prescripts. The committee has always emphasised the importance of the private security industry in efforts to combat crime in the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Ipid drowning in cases as accountability slips
The Portfolio Committee on Police has raised urgent alarms regarding the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which is grappling with a staggering backlog of 14,469 cases. Image: SAPS The Portfolio Committee on Police has raised urgent alarms regarding the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which is grappling with a staggering backlog of 14,469 cases. The number, carried over to the current financial year, poses significant challenges to IPID's ability to uphold its mandate of ensuring accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS). During a recent meeting that included discussions with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA), the committee emphasised the critical role IPID plays in monitoring police conduct. According to Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee, the backlog directly undermines this drive. "While there have been various interventions aiming to alleviate the case load, the reality is that victims of police abuse of authority remain without recourse," he said. The situation is compounded by limited resources, despite the committee welcoming an additional R126.3 million in funding over the medium term. Although this financial boost is seen as a positive step towards alleviating the backlog, concerns remain that without a strategic plan to address underlying systemic challenges, the issue will persist. 'The nominal increase of employees from 387 to 421 by the 2027/28 financial year is insufficient given the high case per investigator ratio,' stresses Cameron. The increasing number of reported cases necessitates that IPID enhances its capacity to meet growing demands. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading While the committee acknowledges the introduction of a new digital case management system, aimed at improving tracking and communication with victims, there is a pressing need for effective implementation. A functional system could play a vital role in alleviating the burden of the backlog and ensuring timely responses to victims' grievances. In a positive development, the establishment of internal investigation, forensic services, quality assurance, and research units within IPID has been welcomed. This should equip the directorate with the necessary skills to tackle complex cases of reported corruption. However, the committee's concerns extend beyond operational challenges to the execution of IPID's recommendations by SAPS. A persistent issue highlighted in the meeting is the apparent disregard by SAPS for strong recommendations made by IPID. Cameron pointed out that this trend jeopardises the effectiveness of IPID, stating, 'There is a need for a laser focus on the rate of implementation of the recommendations.' In tandem with addressing these critical oversight issues, the committee has reiterated the importance of upholding appropriate conduct among SAPS members. Cameron stated, 'The bottom line is that there is no place in the SAPS for rogue police officers who engage in criminal activity.' He reinforced the necessity for SAPS members to remain fit and proper for the services they must deliver to the public. On the other side of the security landscape, PSiRA is also under scrutiny. The committee has recognised its plans for implementing a digital strategy that aims to streamline interactions with users. The ability to verify the training of private security officers via this digital platform is seen as a significant leap forward.
News24
13-06-2025
- News24
Two Free State officers in court in connection with guesthouse rape
Two Free State police officers appeared in the Kroonstad Magistrate's Court in connection with a rape that was reported at a guesthouse. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said the officers, both 25, were arrested after the alleged rape at the guesthouse in Kroonstad on 8 June. IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said the two officers allegedly met two women, both aged 21, at a nightclub where they had been drinking. 'They later agreed to go together to the guesthouse. One police officer allegedly raped one of the women, and a case was opened,' Shuping said. The officers face charges of rape and conspiracy to rape. Shuping said one of the officers was provisionally released pending further investigation. Meanwhile, the case against the second officer was postponed to 19 June for a bail application. The two officers are stationed at Bloemspruit and Heuningspruit. Earlier this week, a 59-year-old police captain employed as a firearms trainer at the Tshwane police academy in Pretoria West was granted R8 000 bail. The captain, who had been employed at the SA Police Service for 31 years, is facing charges of rape and sexual assault. It is alleged that the officer allegedly raped a 20-year-old trainee and sexually assaulted a 29-year-old trainee. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the State opposed his release on bail. 'The court, however, found that it was in the best interest of justice for the accused to be released on bail with conditions,' Mahanjana said.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Police academy rape suspect released on bail
The police captain charged with the rape of a 20-year-old trainee at the SAPS Police Academy in Pretoria West was recently released on bail by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court after paying R8 000. The 59-year-old, who is employed as a firearms trainer and has been working for the SAPS for the past 31 years, is also charged with sexually assaulting another 29-year-old female police trainee. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, said that although the state was opposed to the bail application, the court determined that the accused was not a flight risk and granted bail with several conditions. 'During bail proceedings, the state opposed his release on bail because he is accused of serious offences which are prevalent in the court's jurisdiction. Moreover, Prosecutor Madre Windvogel argued that the accused was a flight risk; he failed to disclose to the IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) investigator that he had a passport,' Mahanjana said. 'The court, however, found that it was in the best interest of justice for the accused to be released on bail with conditions.' The conditions are: – to report at Hercules Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday, – hand over his passport to the investigation officer within 24 hours, – to not directly or indirectly contact the witnesses in the case, and – not to go to the police college unless permitted by the court. In April, the trainee allegedly walked past the suspect without saluting. The accused allegedly reprimanded her, accusing her of misconduct. She explained that she had not seen him. On May 6, the complainant was walking with her platoon to their bungalows when the accused allegedly called her to his office. Upon entering, the accused allegedly locked the door behind her and threatened her with dismissal for the earlier alleged misconduct of not saluting him if she did not sleep with him. He allegedly instructed her to half undress while he also half undressed and proceeded to rape her. After that, he told her to get dressed and leave. The victim reported it to authorities at the academy, who contacted the police. The complainant was then taken for medical attention and referred to the Laudium Thuthuzela Care Centre for further assessment and support. The accused was arrested on May 7. The police then transferred the matter to the IPID for investigation. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned the sexual assault, describing the acts inflicted on the trainee as a gross violation of the rights that police are entrusted to protect After his arrest, the second complainant came forward. In March the accused allegedly sexually assaulted the 29-year-old in his office by touching her. The matter was postponed to September 9 pending further investigations. ALSO READ: Police academy rocked by rape allegation, captain to appear in court Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
2 Gauteng cops fired after kidnapping and extortion arrests
Two SAPS members have been dismissed following their arrest in connection with kidnapping and extortion, in a case that has sent shockwaves through Gauteng. Vaalweekblad reports that Constables Thabiso Pule Paul Molefe (32) and Paseka Matena (33), both members of the SAPS Highway Patrol Unit, were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) earlier this year in connection with a case opened in Springs. The two officers were found guilty following internal disciplinary hearings conducted under the SAPS Discipline Regulations of 2016. Both have been sanctioned with dismissal, pending final confirmation by the provincial commissioner. Public reaction to the arrests and dismissals has been swift. Ian Cameron, DA Member of Parliament and well-known policing accountability advocate, took to social media to praise the outcome. 'Some good news: dirty cops out,' he wrote, highlighting this as a meaningful example of consequence management in the SAPS. 'The public demands accountability, and this is a step in the right direction. We need a police service that earns the trust of law-abiding South Africans.' Molefe, who is reportedly the son of a former high-ranking police official, and his co-accused Matena, were allegedly involved in a scheme where they kidnapped victims and extorted money from them under the guise of official police operations. Their arrest and dismissal are being hailed as a success for IPID and an important signal that misconduct within SAPS will not be tolerated. The case also underscores growing calls for transparency and reform in the police service. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
