INTEGRATED SYSTEMS NOW IN PLACE TO REDUCE LITIGATIONS AGAINST POLICE - MINISTER MTHETHWA
PARLIAMENT, CAPE TOWN - 11 June 2013. The first Litigation Report that depicts trend lines on causes and possible solutions to civil claims has been tabled at the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Management Forum to inform targeted and creative concepts aimed at reducing civil claims and the causes thereof.
In addition, a concerted effort is now being made via internal communication media available to sensitize, educate and motivate SAPS employees to abide by the SAPS Code of Conduct at all times, to be aware of and counteract risks and to be aware that their conduct reflects on the reputation of the organization.
This was revealed today by the Minster of Police, Nathi Mthethwa during a Parliamentary reply on whether there has been an increase in civil claims against him and the SAPS, how this affects the SAPS image, what amount has been spent during the 2012/2013 financial year as well as we what steps are being taken to rectify the situation.
The Minister revealed that SAPS paid over R200 million (R 209,926,038.76) in respect of civil claims representing 3773 payments from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. Some of the cases include wrongful arrests, rape, attempted rape, grievous bodily harm, corruption and assault.
"Earlier this year I instructed the National Commissioner of Police to address a more appropriate and sustainable way to address civil litigation. This message has also been built into my speeches, including those of the Deputy Minister and National Commissioner. These speeches are disseminated internally. Conversely, media statements, speeches and internal e-mail/intranet messages applauding good work and conduct are also regularly disseminated and posted."
Although the litigation cases are still enormous, the Minister is encouraged about some of the integrated systems and steps that are now in place, including:
- All new entrants to the organisation, including both new and lateral entrants, receive a thorough induction into the content and significance of the Code.
- Improving the detection and investigation of members involved in corrupt and fraudulent practices.
- Begun a vigorous approach to the internal communication of the various elements of the Code of Conduct, aligning these elements with basic policing function.
The Minister stated that increases in civil claims lodged as well as the resultant negative publicity does negatively affect the image of the SAPS and this naturally is of concern. "I have on various occasions reiterated that we will not tolerate police officers who abuse the law, whether from wrongful arrests or assault any person. That is why we have now strengthened civilian oversight of the police through the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the Civilian Secretariat for Police," concluded the Minister.
Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police, June 11 2013
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