Public violence conviction rate too low

In the last six months, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has only managed to secure 118 years imprisonment, 15 convictions and R40 000 in fines for public violence. Of the 118 years imprisonment secured, 40 years went to one person.

The DA will request that the Minister of Police, National Police Commissioner and acting head of the National Prosecuting Authority be summoned to Parliament to present a detailed plan on how aspects of the criminal justice system will be improved to increase the conviction rate of those involved in violent public protests.

This is crucial given the way that organisations such as the ANC Youth League are currently mobilising to make certain parts of the country ‘ungovernable'. Vandalism and disruptions to service delivery cannot be tolerated, especially when such actions are motivated by narrow party politics.

SAPS and the NPA must work together to identify where gaps exist in securing convictions for illegal and violent public protests. Police on the ground must be properly trained to be able to gather evidence and provide proper witness testimony to ensure higher convictions.

People have a constitutional right to protest and make their voices heard. This is a civil liberty that the DA will always defend. But people who break the law, destroy property and injure others must face the consequences.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, July 3 2013

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