Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is gravely concerned by the revelation that almost 15 000 cases (14 907 currently) remain outstanding for investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) across the country. These include some of the most serious allegations ranging from deaths in police custody to rape, now caught in a growing backlog that threatens both justice and accountability.
In reply to a DA Parliamentary question, the Minister has disclosed that the provinces with the highest number of outstanding investigations are:
- KwaZulu-Natal – 4 135 cases
- Gauteng – 3 492 cases
- Western Cape – 2 505 cases
- Eastern Cape – 2 167 cases
- Mpumalanga – 1 151 cases
These figures include:
- 1 486 deaths as a result of police action;
- 2 312 cases involving the discharge of an official firearm;
- 1 020 allegations of torture;
- 9 306 assault complaints;
- 193 corruption cases; and
- 97 cases of rape by a police officer.
This backlog not only undermines public confidence in law enforcement but also leaves victims and their families without justice – in some cases, for years on end.
Equally troubling is the fact that IPID staff are working around the clock, often under immense pressure and without the support or resources they need to properly investigate serious complaints. This broken system is unsustainable and risks further erosion of oversight, justice, and institutional integrity.
While the DA notes IPID’s attempt to address the backlog by enlisting the support of six retired detectives in high-volume provinces, this ad hoc intervention is simply not enough. It is deeply worrying that IPID remains under resourced, understaffed and lacking the investigative capacity to fulfil its constitutional mandate of holding the South African Police Service (SAPS) accountable.
Equally concerning is the confirmation that SAPS has not implemented any measures to assist with the backlog due to IPID’s oversight role. This hands-off approach, while necessary for independence, must be matched by meaningful support from the Department of Police and Parliament to ensure IPID is adequately funded and capacitated.
The DA calls for:
- A comprehensive turnaround strategy to capacitate IPID with permanent staff and modern investigative tools;
- Quarterly parliamentary progress reports on backlog reduction; and
- Public release of backlog data, including the duration of unresolved cases, to ensure transparency and accountability.
South Africans deserve a police watchdog that works, one that is independent, well-resourced and capable of acting swiftly and decisively against police abuse and corruption.
The DA will continue to fight for reforms that protect victims’ rights and restore public trust in our criminal justice system.
Regards
Lisa Schickerling MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police