THE statement released by the Ministry of Police regarding the millions of rands the department has paid out to ordinary South Africans over civil claims is not only disturbing but raises serious concerns.
The ministry revealed that more than R106-million was paid out as a result of more than 8000 civil claims brought against the SAPS for the 2010/2011 financial year.
Of concern is that the reckless behaviour of the officers in blue happens as South Africans are faced with the mammoth task of fighting crime. The money could have been used to combat crime.
Most of the lawsuits result from incidents where police officers get into contact with either suspects or ordinary members of the communities.
If there is any group of people that needs to uphold the principle of "the presumption of innocence" it is the lawmen and women.
Many cases, which were so clear to a point where a police officer only had to arrest a suspect and secure a conviction, have been spoiled by the over-zealousness of the cops.
A classic case in point is that of Speelman Mahlomuza, who successfully claimed more than R500000 in the space of two years.
In 2009 he was assaulted by the police and unlawfully detained, and was again assaulted by police and unlawfully detained in 2010. He was awarded R250000 and R360000 respectively.
A 17-year-old who was the victim of mob justice was locked up by the police and kept incarcerated for two days even when they were ordered by a magistrate to set him free. The teenager was last week awarded R200000 by a court.
It is perhaps comforting to note that the Ministry is also concerned about this state of affairs.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has raised serious concerns about the sky-rocketing bill resulting from the lawsuits. We understand that Mthethwa has issued strict instructions for all police to intensify command, control and uphold the constitutional principles and respect of human rights.
Failure to do this will make a mockery of all the good work by the police and other law enforcement agencies.
Getting cops into order
THE statement released by the Ministry of Police regarding the millions of rands the department has paid out to ordinary South Africans over civil claims is not only disturbing but raises serious concerns.
The ministry revealed that more than R106-million was paid out as a result of more than 8000 civil claims brought against the SAPS for the 2010/2011 financial year.
Of concern is that the reckless behaviour of the officers in blue happens as South Africans are faced with the mammoth task of fighting crime. The money could have been used to combat crime.
Most of the lawsuits result from incidents where police officers get into contact with either suspects or ordinary members of the communities.
If there is any group of people that needs to uphold the principle of "the presumption of innocence" it is the lawmen and women.
Many cases, which were so clear to a point where a police officer only had to arrest a suspect and secure a conviction, have been spoiled by the over-zealousness of the cops.
A classic case in point is that of Speelman Mahlomuza, who successfully claimed more than R500000 in the space of two years.
In 2009 he was assaulted by the police and unlawfully detained, and was again assaulted by police and unlawfully detained in 2010. He was awarded R250000 and R360000 respectively.
A 17-year-old who was the victim of mob justice was locked up by the police and kept incarcerated for two days even when they were ordered by a magistrate to set him free. The teenager was last week awarded R200000 by a court.
It is perhaps comforting to note that the Ministry is also concerned about this state of affairs.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has raised serious concerns about the sky-rocketing bill resulting from the lawsuits. We understand that Mthethwa has issued strict instructions for all police to intensify command, control and uphold the constitutional principles and respect of human rights.
Failure to do this will make a mockery of all the good work by the police and other law enforcement agencies.
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