The internal disciplinary hearing against the SAPS VIP protection officers has been torturously slow and has yielded little to no results after more than a year. This matter was discussed in parliament by the Police Committee on 28 August and there was a unanimous agreement that these procedures should not take so long to be resolved and that the police members involved should be punished as soon as possible to the fullest extent of the law.
“We are very glad that this matter has now been discussed in parliament and we now hope that this added pressure on the case will finally yield some results. However, we have already received notice that the Blue Light Bullies again changed their union representatives for this week’s hearing. It is clear that they are playing for time. It is unacceptable that these members have not been punished, and that the victims are left wondering if they will ever see justice,” said Action Society’s Juanita du Preez.
Action Society has been supporting one of the victims who was assaulted by the eight members of the VIP Protection Services escorting the vice-president on the N1 last year. The disciplinary hearing against the eight continued this week and Action Society is determined to see the perpetrators stripped of their ranks and removed from their positions within SAPS with immediate effect.
Ian Cameron, who now serves as Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson stated that the events that unfolded on that day and the subsequent disciplinary hearing further undermines and erodes trust in the police.
“The excuses given for the slow process, which range from the unavailability of the accused and their legal representatives to the unavailability of SAPS functionaries, are simply insufficient and patently unacceptable.
“When misconduct is not met with meaningful repercussions, it simply erodes the credibility and legitimacy of the police. Democratic policing should be done through trust and not fear and the lack of action,” said Cameron.
Action Society’s own surveys have shown an absolute loss of trust in the police.
Members of the committee agreed that it is imperative that they address this issue to provide accountability and justice for the victims.
They were all in agreement that it is unacceptable that after more than a year, the disciplinary process has not made any tangible progress. This will entrench a culture of misconduct within the ranks of the SAPS.
“IPID, senior SAPS management and the Minister of Police have an obligation to protect all South Africans, not just those they work with. If this case results in anything other than the proper punishment, it will set a very dangerous precedent,” added du Preez.
The committee resolved to prioritise and demand accountability on the matter from the Minister and National Commissioner on the matter. The matter will also be a standing item on the committee’s agenda until justice is achieved.
