FIVAZ ON MTUBATUBA POLICE STATION

Issued by: SA Communication Service

MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SA POLICE SERVICE: COMMISSIONER GEORGE FIVAZ.

CAPE TOWN: 1998-05-14

I have today formally appointed a Special Committee of Inquiry into allegations concerning the Mtubatuba Police Station.

I have therefore appointed Advocate V Soni of the durban Bar to this special Committee of Inquiry. Advocate Rodrick Nzimande, also of the Durban Bar, will lead the evidence.

Broadly, the terms of reference of the Special Committee of Inquiry include:

• Inquiring into allegations of racism and resistance/lack of commitment to the transformation process, as well as alleged corrupt practices at the Mtubatuba Police station, and allegations directed at the commander of the Umfolozi Public Order Policing Unit.
• Inquiring into any related matter - including the conduct of the Police Union POPCRU and that of dismissed members - which led to the dismissal of 36 members at the station during August 1997.

The purpose of the inquiry will be to make recommendations on the matters investigated:

• Addressing any possible shortcomings or inadequacies in Police management procedures which may become evident during the inquiry.
• any other matter which may be considered relevant in the inquiry.

INQUIRIES: SUPERINTENDENT LEAH SHIRAMBO: 082 809 2232.