MINISTER MTHETHWA ON THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORE OF THE INDEPENDENT POLICE INVESTIGATIVE DIRECTORATE
PARLIAMENT, CAPE TOWN - 12 November 2013. The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today confirmed that Cabinet has recommended the appointment of Mr Robert McBride as Executive Director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at its meeting of 6 November 2013.
In terms of Section 6(2) of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act, 2011 (Act 1 of 2011) the relevant Portfolio Committee of Parliament must now consider the recommendation before the appointment can be confirmed. IPID has been headed by an Acting Executive Director for almost a year and the stability of this important institution is crucial.
The process of appointing a permanent head was carried through advertising the position via media platforms and various public service circulars. Mr McBride was the successful candidate following the shortlisting, interviewing processes as well as Cabinet's endorsement. However in line with the IPID Act, the appointment can only be finalized once Parliament has concurred.
The Ministry of Police has in the past two years pioneered the introduction of the IPID Act, a legislation which enhances our efforts of ensuring that we have a police service that is accountable for the actions of its members.
"Police officers have a lot of power bestowed on them by legislation. This power includes, but not limited to, the power to stop citizens, the power to search persons, the power to enter premises, the power to arrest as well as the power to seize property. If these powers are unchecked, they are open to abuse. That is why we have established the IPID and gave it the responsibility of oversight over our police service," stated the Minister.
"The IPID is an important tool in our arsenal to fight criminality wherever it occurs, even in our police services, namely the South African Police Service (SAPS). Equally, IPID investigators have the same powers bestowed on police officers - they should use them carefully. We expect the IPID to investigate without fear, favour or prejudice. Such an approach will earn the IPID respect within the ranks of the police, who may be more inclined to co-operate because they are treated with professionalism and without any malice," he added.
Understandably, there is a lot of expectation from members of the public for the IPID to live up to a high standard of performance. That expectation will only be met if the IPID focuses on meeting the targets it has set itself in this strategic plan over the next five years.
"We believe Mr McBride's appointment as head of IPID will help this important institution to achieve this mandate. As the Ministry of Police, we have done our part by putting in place a legislative framework with sufficient powers to enable the IPID to do its oversight work - it is now up to the IPID to take the next step."
Mr McBride is the former Chief of Police at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, has held various directorships at the Department of Foreign Affairs (now Department of International Relations and Cooperation), has served on the Immigration Advisory Board and is a former Member of Parliament.
He holds a BA: International Politics degree from UNISA, B.Tech Policing (Honours) from Tshwane University of Technology, Diploma in Foreign Relations from the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Training in Diplomatic Relations and Management, Foreign Service Institute, India.
Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police, November 12 2013
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