By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 May 2025– The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has learned with shock and dismay of the acquittal, in a South African Police Service (SAPS) internal disciplinary process, of the eight members of the SAPS VIP Protection Unit, who were charged with assaulting a civilian on the N1.
Cameron said it is of the considered view that the ruling is shameful, indefensible and immoral. He further said the acquittal of the members is not only a miscarriage of justice, but also puts the name and image of the SAPS into disrepute.
“Furthermore, this decision strengthens the public perception of SAPS officers being and acting above the law. This decision lacks legal and moral justification and should be reconsidered.
“With the worsening trust deficit between the police and communities, such decisions will further erode the low levels of trust that exist between the police and the people,” said Cameron.
He added that, the ruling entrenches the long-held committee’s view that internal disciplinary mechanisms within SAPS are inadequate and rewards rogue officers. Cameron also said, this decision will further cement the public’s perception of a complete disregard of consequence management within the SAPS.
“This case was an instance of “a thief being caught with the stolen goods”, as there was clear evidence from footage showing the perpetrators kicking a defenceless civilian while brandishing high-calibre firearms.
“The portfolio committee had previously raised concerns about the slow pace of the disciplinary process, but the decision reached today gives the impression of a badly performed tick-box exercise,” he said.
Cameron said this decision sends a wrong message to all South Africans about the lack of recourse when SAPS members abuse their authority. He said it also portrays a SAPS that lacks compassion and care for victims of abuse, one that is preoccupied with protecting each other and not the citizens.
“In addition, the role played by labour unions in stalling the case has undermined due process. This was not due process, but weaponised bureaucracy funded by taxpayers. What is even more infuriating is that the SAPS paid an amount of over R112 000 just for the Chairperson’s expense, which should be classified as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
“As a result, I will, on behalf of the committee, write to the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to demand an explanation from the Minister of Police for this outcome, on behalf of the nation and for the victims,” said Cameron.
He said the committee will, for its part, consider legislative reforms to end the abuse of internal processes in SAPS and to limit the obstructive role of unions in misconduct cases. Cameron said they cannot accept a SAPS that protects thugs in uniform.
“We will not sit silently, while the rule of law is trampled upon behind closed doors,” he said.
The Guardian 