ACTING POLICE MINISTER TASKS POLICE WATCHDOG TO SPEED UP INVESTIGATION OF POLICE OFFICERS IMPLICATED IN THE DAVEYTON DEATH

PRETORIA - 01 March 2013.  The Acting Minister of Police, Dr Siyabonga Cwele has called for a speedy investigation, possible arrest and prosecution of the police officers that were involved in the death of Mr Mido Macia in Daveyton. He also offered, on behalf of the entire police leadership, management and staff condolences to the family of Mr Macia.

Minister Cwele further welcomed an announcement by the National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega earlier this morning, where she stated that all police officers that were involved in the incident have been suspended and disarmed as well as the removal of the Station Commander of Daveyton Police Station.  Parallel to this process, the Minister has tasked those who ‘police the police', that is, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to act speedily but thoroughly to ensure that those implicated and found to have been responsible, are accordingly punished.

"All police officers have a duty to fight crime and those who are not worthy of wearing our badge and uniform, must know that they have no place within SAPS.  We view this incident in serious light and we would want to see stern action taken against those involved.  We want stern action so that it may send a message to other officers that any untoward conduct will not be tolerated."

The Minister added that society needs to know what you do so that they can begin to know what steps to follow when confronted by challenges like police brutality. They also need to know that when they report such cases, that they will be thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators will receive the harshest sentences. Equally police officers who abuse their authorities must know that they will not succeed in their criminal conduct.

The Minister further called for calm within the Daveyton community in light of this incident.  He said whilst understanding the anger and frustrations of the community members, this incident should not derail the cooperation and working together between police and the community.

"The philosophical orientation of our goal is to realize that the South African Police Service is one of the most central of all the institutions of the democratic state; which is charged and is responsible for guaranteeing the stability and the consolidation of our democracy."

"What this philosophy means is that, our police officers must be seen and see themselves as guardians of human rights generally and the Constitution in particular.  When society gets affected by crime, they need to have hope that police will do their best to protect them," concluded the Minister.

Dr Siyabonga Cwele is Minister of State Security but is currently Acting Minister of Police whilst Minister Nathi Mthethwa is on official leave until 12 March 2013.

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, March 1 2013

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