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The ‘visit’ by members of the SA Police’s crime intelligence unit to the office of the Public Protector in March this year raised serious matters of public concern regarding the possible illegitimate interference with the work of the Public Protector. The visit was condemned by the National Commissioner of Police and it was stated at the time that the visit was unauthorized – the three officers involved were suspended pending an investigation. The visit took place shortly after the Public Protector had issued a Report on the acquisition of police headquarters in Pretoria. These concerns about possible interference have not been allayed by the bland statement now made by Police spokesman, McIntosh Polela that ‘they operated within their mandate as part of a wider investigation’. An internal police investigation had recommended that the suspensions of the three officers be lifted.
As a matter of proper accountability and disclosure and as a result of the fundamental constitutional principles that this matter raises about the independence of the Office of the Public Protector, the SA Police Service should make publicly available the following information:
1. What was the reason for the visit to the Office of the Public Protector?
2. What information were the police officers seeking from the Public Protector?
3. What investigation were the police carrying out?
4. Who authorized the investigation, and why did they do so?
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) is concerned that any perception of intimidation of one of the guardians of our constitutional democracy should be removed so that public confidence in these institutions is strengthened. We believe that the SA Police owe the country a thorough and proper explanation of the circumstances of this matter. We call on the Minister of Police to make a statement to the National Assembly in this regard.