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The Portfolio Committee on Police has called on the Minister of Police to intervene in the matter of allegations of interference by South African Police Service (SAPS) members in Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigations.

The Committee today received a briefing from the leadership of SAPS and IPID on allegations by IPID that there is interference by SAPS in an investigation into the Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Kgomotso Phahlane.

The intervention by the executive authority is necessary to ensure that the two organs function in accordance to their founding Acts. It will also ensure protection of the legitimacy of both institutions in the eyes of general public. “It is untenable that such important organs of state are continuously at each other’s throats. Further continuation of public differences will undermine the legitimacy of investigations by both parties around this matter,” said Mr Francois Beukman, the Chairperson of the Committee.  

While the Committee does not want to venture into the merits/demerits of investigations by both organs, the Committee has called for all actions and investigations to be in accordance with the law. The Committee has also reiterated the need for cooperation between organs of state in the implementation of their respective mandates.

The Committee has resolved to engage with the Minister of Police to find ways that will enable the two organs to do their work without perception of interference. The Minister will be invited to appear before the Committee in the next two weeks.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Francois Beukman