Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MEC FOR SAFETY & SECURITY, MS JESSIE DUARTE IN RESPONSE TO ARTICLE IN THE STAR ON POLICE RESERVISTS
The Gauteng Ministry of Safety & Security fully supports any attempts to bolster the SAPS reserve force, and encourages people to join up as reservists.
But any attempts of this nature need to bear in mind that all applicants have to meet certain requirements before they can be accepted as reservists. Reservists have to fall under direct command, control and discipline of the SAPS.
Reservists are given training to ensure that they provide a professional service to communities. This training is of utmost importance to avoid any abuse of power or any violation of people's rights. It also prevents reservists from being manipulated.
The Ministry is extremely concerned about 4 000 recruits who have already been deployed in Soweto. Firstly, we are concerned that they may not all fulfill the requirements needed for reservists. Secondly, we are concerned that they have not received proper training.
It's disturbing to note that, despite the lack of clarity on these two issues, these individuals have been involved in raiding homes and the like. The legal implications of such action is enormous; It could seriously jeopardise criminal investigations, and if they have not formally joined the police reservists, the SAPS cannot be held liable for their acts.
It should be noted that Community Police Forums do not have the powers or mandate to organise and maintain structures which operate parallel to the police.
We would also like to point out that no agreement has been reached on payments for the individuals referred to in today's star. The Police Act clearly states that reservists are not remunerated, and work purely as volunteers.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE MEC FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY 22/3/96