Action Society has received a large number complaints from the public, that the more than 2 000 new South African Police Services (SAPS) recruits, are being subjected to horrendous conditions at their training facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
From complaints it is understood, that these recruits have not had food for more than three days.
There is not adequate sleeping space and many recruits don’t have beds and are forced to share mattresses or sleep on the floor or tables.
“Action Society has written a letter to address this issue with the Divisional Commissioner Gen. Ntshiea as well as the newly appointed National Commissioner Gen. Masemola imploring them to take immediate action and intervene in this unacceptable situation. These recruits will have to serve and protect South African citizens, and yet they themselves are being subjected to inhumane treatment and disrespect,” Ian Cameron, community safety director at Action Society commented.
Reports published by the Sowetan, also confirmed the inhumane conditions that these recruits have been subjected to including: no hot water; enduring a week of suspected food poisoning; no adequate medical attention and being threatened at gunpoint by a junior official.
It is believed, that no real training has started and hundreds of parents are scared of reporting this issue themselves, in fear of their children being victimised.
“The treatment of these SAPS recruits, is a very negative reflection on the top leadership within the SAPS and will surely not have a positive outcome as far as the strengthening of the reputation of the organisation is concerned. The commitment by Minister Bheki Cele to fight the scourge of GBVF in South Africa is once again proving to be lip service, as they can’t even cater for the training and facilities of these new recruits.”
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