Latest news with #Ipid
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
'South Africans tired of commissions of inquiry': parties on Ramaphosa's response to Mkhwanazi allegations
Political parties have cautiously welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to establish a commission of inquiry to look into explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying previous inquiries yielded little results. Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa announced he was placing minister of police Senzo Mchunu on special leave, and said and that Prof Firoz Cachalia would act as police minister. Ramaphosa also announced he has established a judicial commission of inquiry chaired by acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates. This comes after explosive allegations levelled against Mchunu by Mkhwanazi last Sunday. Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of interfering with police investigations and of overstepping his role when he ordered the disbandment of the political killings task team. ActionSA said it sees no logic in yet another commission of inquiry carrying out work that law enforcement and agencies like Ipid should be doing, especially while the R1bn Zondo commission report into state capture gathers dust as those who committed treason continue to evade justice. DA leader John Steenhuisen welcomed the new appointment made by Ramaphosa, but also expressed concern over the decision to establish a commission of inquiry. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Steenhuisen said many South Africans are sceptical about commissions of inquiry after the Zondo inquiry produced no convictions, even after people were named. He added that the public's trust might deteriorate if there is another inquiry that yields no consequences. GOOD party secretary-general Brett Herron said the appointment of a commission, while well-intentioned, is too slow, too cumbersome and too costly. 'We have walked this road before, most notably with the Zondo commission, and we have seen that a commission of inquiry cannot replace a criminal investigation. The Zondo commission produced volumes of prima facie evidence, which the investigating authorities were then required to investigate before any decision to prosecute could be made,' he said. Herron said allegations made by Mkhwanazi demand an urgent and credible criminal investigation, not another year-long process the outcomes of which might never be acted on. RISE Mzansi welcomed the establishment of a commission of inquiry. The party feels that a judicial commission of inquiry is important because the SAPS and the minister cannot investigate themselves. 'The establishment of this inquiry insulates the process from political contamination,' said Makashule Gana, RISE Mzansi National Assembly caucus whip and member of the portfolio committee on police. Meanwhile Mchunu has welcomed Ramaphosa's decision to place him on special leave, saying he fully supports the process. 'I welcome and respect the president's decision and pledge my commitment to the process. Honour and integrity are the virtues I personally subscribe to and which we all need to make efforts to uphold. I stand ready to respond to the accusations against me and account to the citizens of the republic, fully and honestly so,' Mchunu said in a statement.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- The Citizen
‘No moral standing': Saps must act tough on GBVF officers
Critics say police culture enables abuse, and demand tougher sentences for Saps officers who commit GBVF. The South African Police Service (Saps) must deal harshly with its members involved in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), according to experts. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) recently stated that during the 2024-2025 financial year, 92 rape cases involving police officers were finalised. This resulted in 21 departmental convictions and 11 criminal convictions. Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo said: 'By the president's declaration that GBVF constitutes a national crisis, it will continue to be prioritised. A zero-tolerance approach will be adopted. Zero tolerance for GBVF in Saps – deputy minister 'More investigators will be up-skilled in the investigation of sexual offences to decrease GBVF-related cases in the Saps. 'Our officers are committed to ensuring they uphold the rule of law and in instances where they are not, Ipid must exercise its legislative mandate.' ALSO READ: Withdrawn GBV cases allow 'perpetrators to evade justice', hears portfolio committee Saps has enlisted the expertise of retired investigators to contribute to reducing its backlog, she added. A budget of R844.5 million has been allocated to the investigation and provincial coordination programme over three years. 'This initiative will focus on the investigation of backlog cases in terms of Section 28(1)(a)(h) of the Ipid Act, which includes death in police custody, death as a result of police action, rape by a police officer, corruption and related crimes.' In-house forensic investigation capability crucial She said an in-house forensic investigation capability was also crucial for improving the quality of investigations. This includes the recruitment of financial data analysts, cyber forensic experts and crime analysts and the procurement of a forensic electronic system. ALSO READ: Less than 25% of Gauteng police stations have dedicated toilets for GBV victims Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, director of the feminist organisation Wise4Afrika, called on Saps' management and other relevant authorities to deal harshly with the perpetrators in the police. 'We have said consistently that law enforcement officers are contaminated and are highly compromised in matters of sexual violence and domestic violence. They have no moral standing to uphold the rule of law.' Saps code of conduct ignored Witness Maluleke, a criminologist at the University of Limpopo, said the Saps code of conduct was ignored. 'They continue breaking the same laws due to power dynamics. Instead of protecting victims of rape, they re-victimise them. They should be heavily sentenced,' he said.
TimesLIVE
07-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Former constable sentenced to life imprisonment for girlfriend's murder
The Pretoria high court has sentenced a former police constable to life imprisonment for killing his girlfriend who was ending her relationship with him. Kgabo Vincent Rammutla was sentenced for the 2017 murder of his 29-year-old girlfriend Lisbeth Seloma. TimesLIVE previously reported the incident occurred at the couple's home in Mamelodi where they were renting a back room. On the night of the murder an argument broke out after Seloma told Rammutla, 41, who was stationed at Eersterust police station, of her decision to end their relationship and move out. During the altercation, Rammutla shot her multiple times with his service pistol. Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Lizzy Suping said police were called and they found Rammutla bleeding from the head and disarmed him. 'The girlfriend was found lying in a pool of blood. The paramedics were called and they declared the girlfriend dead,' said Suping. Rammutla apparently tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head but survived. He was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment. Suping said the matter initially went through an inquest at Mamelodi magistrate's court before the director of public prosecutions and Ipid ordered that it be referred to the high court for trial. 'Rammutla was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment,' Suping said. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ipid 14 000 case backlog sparks concern for police committee
Parliament's police committee urges Ipid to fix its massive backlog and staff shortages, warning that victims of police misconduct are left without justice. A backlog of more than 14 000 Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) cases was carried over to this financial year, raising concerns for the portfolio committee on police. The committee said the backlog of 14 469 cases hampers Ipid's ability to fulfil its mandate effectively. It called for urgent strategies to remedy the concern. 'Ipid plays a critical role in ensuring accountability from the South African Police Service (Saps), and the backlog directly undermines this drive,' said Ian Cameron, the chairperson of the committee. Ipid struggles with 14 000-case backlog 'While the committee has noted various interventions to clear the backlog, the reality is that victims of police abuse of authority remain without recourse.' This comes after the committee met with both Ipid and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) on Thursday to discuss the revised annual performance plan and strategic plan. The committee welcomed the R126.3 million additional funding over the medium term and hopes it will significantly contribute to reducing the case backlog. ALSO READ: Police officers charged with serious crimes remain on active duty It is, however, worried that the additional funding, without clear plans to address some of the internal systematic challenges, will not solve the issue. A significant obstacle to the Ipid is the disproportionately high case-per-investigator ratio, the committee said. It noted that a nominal staff increase—from 387 in the 2025-26 fiscal year to 421 in 2027-28 — will not sufficiently address the issue. 'In the context of the increasing cases reported to Ipid, it is necessary to ensure that the directorate is adequately capacitated to increasing demand,' the committee said. Plans to introduce digital case management system The portfolio committee on police acknowledged that the directorate plans to introduce a new digital case management system to help the organisation monitor cases more effectively and improve victim tracking and communication. It has, however, urged Ipid to effectively implement the plans, as a functional system may positively impact the backlog. The committee added that it was also concerned about the implementation of recommendations made by Ipid to the Saps. It stated that Thursday's meeting highlighted a trend of Saps seemingly ignoring strong recommendations made by the directorate. ALSO READ: Fatal shooting at Limpopo mine: Fraud suspect dies after trying to disarm officer '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,' Cameron said. The committee also expressed agreement with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu that Saps members must improve their conduct. '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,' Cameron said. PSiRA's plans to implement digital strategy In terms of PSiRA, the committee acknowledged the plan to implement a digital strategy that will ensure a smooth user interaction process. The committee also welcomed the intention to increase PSiRA's footprint to make sure that private security companies in Limpopo, Northern Cape, and North West are able to access its services more easily. 'The committee has always emphasised the importance of the private security industry in efforts to combat crime in the country,' it said. NOW READ: Police sergeant abuses power, gets 20 years for raping victim inside police station
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
ActionSA threatens legal action against IPID over delayed Phala Phala report
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo was the site of a widely publicised 2020 burglary where over US$580,000 in cash was allegedly stolen. Image: IOL IF the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) fails to deliver its report related to the Phala Phala investigation by the new deadline of June 30, ActionSA will pursue legal action, the party warned. The party had applied for access to the report under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) but Ipid requested a 30-day extension, citing issues with their email system. The investigation centres on an alleged cover-up of a 2020 theft involving large sums of US dollars hidden under couches on President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. Despite no official police case being opened, state resources were reportedly used to trace the suspects, some of whom were located in Cape Town and were allegedly assaulted to reveal the whereabouts of the remaining money, much of which had already been spent on luxury vehicles, jewellery, and property in Namibia. In 2022, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) asked Ipid to investigate an alleged police cover-up. But when ATM leader Vuyo Zungula raised the issue through a Parliamentary question, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the report was 'top secret' and would not be shared with the public. ActionSA contends that the classification of the report as 'top secret' was unlawful. This follows the Public Protector's finding that members of the Presidential Protection Unit had acted outside of their legal mandate and abused their powers in relation to investigations into the theft at Phala Phala. In April, ActionSA submitted a PAIA application to unseal the Ipid report. 'In late May, after weeks of radio silence, ActionSA received a formal response from Ipid indicating that they would extend the deadline for releasing the report. The reason given for this delay was that Ipid's email system was down. In submitting this response, Ipid has affirmed ActionSA's belief that it does not want the South African public to see the contents of this report,' said ActionSA national chairperson, Michael Beaumont. In light of their suspicions, the party said they had also submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister of Police to determine whether Ipid's system had indeed been down. 'Our concern is that crimes such as those committed at Phala Phala must be investigated by detectives, not by those tasked with protecting the President. ActionSA will not let this matter rest and if the Ipid report is not received by the new deadline of 30 June 2025, legal action will follow,' Beaumont added. Ipid confirmed that it requested an extension, citing technical challenges. 'Yes, Ipid did request an extension regarding the request for the Phala Phala Report because, at the time, the department experienced technical challenges. In terms of Section 26 (1)of PAIA, the Information Officer, to whom the request for access has been made or transferred, may extend the period of 30 days referred in section 25(1), once for a period not more than 30 days. IPID's information Officer will, therefore, respond to the requester, since we are within the 30-day extension period,' Ipid spokesperson, Lizzy Suping said. Zungal said the longer this report is withheld, 'the clearer it becomes that IPID is either being manipulated, or has chosen to become a political accessory rather than an independent institution serving the people of South Africa'.
