#EndPoliceBrutalityNow

Dear Editor

• The DA will launch a campaign against police brutality in response to the recent violent incident involving SAPS VIP officers in Fourways.
• While the DA welcomes the suspension and charges against the officers involved, they believe more needs to be done.
• The DA calls for the removal of Minister Cele, an overhaul of SAPS leadership, demilitarisation of the police force, increased independence for IPID, budget reductions for VIP protection, and a ban on blue lights.

The DA will embark on a campaign to end police brutality at the hands of the South African Police Service (SAPS) following the horrific and violent attack by SAPS VIP officers in Fourways this week.

This violent incident is just one of many incidents of police brutality at the hands of SAPS members every day, this one incident just happened to be captured on video.

While the DA welcomes the suspension of the VIP officers and the fact that they have been charged with assault among other charges, more still needs to be done.

The DA has been at the forefront in the fight against police brutality since the lockdown of 2020 when hundreds of incidents of Police abuse were reported to the DA’s email address reportpoliceabuse@da.org.za.

Police brutality and violence has become a culture within the Police service under Minister Cele who has done nothing to stop the rot because he is part of the problem.

The DA has and will continue to call for:

• The removal of Minister Cele and an overhaul of SAPS top leadership who have presided over this culture of violence and impunity;
• The demilitarisation of the SAPS and the implementation of recommendations from the Expert Panel Report into the July 2021 unrest as well as the recommendations from the panel of experts report into the Marikana Massacre;
• Increased independence for IPID whose Executive Director should be appointed by parliament following an expert panel shortlisting and interview process.
• Currently the Minister recruits, selects and appoints; A reduction to the VIP protection budget to allow for minimum appropriate security for relevant officials and a review of the protocols and training relating to VIP protection; and
• Ban blue lights and reckless driving from all VIP convoys.

The DA invites members of the public to share their experiences with us and where possible to provide evidence of VIP police abuse so that we can fight to have those responsible removed from the SAPS.

Members of the public can email: reportpoliceabuse@da.org.za

The DA will assist complainants and keep a register of complaints so that we can monitor progress and hold IPID and SAPS accountable.

South Africans deserves a police service that is professional, accountable, and committed to upholding the rights and safety of all citizens. The Democratic Alliance remains committed to fighting for all South Africans and will ensure that those who betray the public trust face the full consequences of their actions.

Regards

Andrew Whitfield MP
DA Shadow Minister of Police