Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
6 July 1998
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE, COMMISSIONER GEORGE FIVAZ.
I noted the statement by the Independent Complaints Directorate and I am in the process of studying its contents, whereafter I will consider the appropriate steps to be taken in conjunction with the ICD, and in consultation with the Minister for Safety and Security.
I must, however, point out at this stage that, while I agree with the fact that some police officials do actually overreact when dealing with criminal suspects and detainees or when acting in defence against attacks to protect themselves or other persons or property, I am not in agreement with the motion that the police could be the cause of violence in South Africa.
On the contrary, I think it is crucial to ask the important question as to why some police officials are acting or over-reacting under certain circumstances, the answer of which should, undoubtedly, be found in the violent environment in which they have to perform their duties and the abnormal high rate of fatal and brutal attacks on police officials in South Africa.
It is imperative that both the police and the public, alike, be educated about the importance of mutual respect of human rights, There is no reasonable basis to argue that the life of a police officer is less valuable than that of another human being.
Members of the public should be urged to respect the police as is the case with other countries internationally - to protect their protectors. The fact that police officials should have mutual respect however, cannot be denied.
I am convinced that if the violent culture in general can be reduced in our country the police officers' overreaction will also decline.
However it must be emphasised that any violation of the fundamental rights of individuals by police officials cannot be justified and is not at all acceptable and will not be tolerated in the SAPS.
There are mechanisms such as the Police Regulations, the Code of Conduct and the Police Act which are used against members who exceed the legal limit on the use of force by police officials as provided by law, SAPS is consequently totally committed to cooperate fully with a mechanism at the ICD in order to stamp out alleged and unacceptable police conduct or behaviour.
Enquiries: Supt Leah Shibambo 082 809 22 32