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The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) has noted with concern the Mail & Guardian's story on violence in Ermelo ("Violence on tape confirms police tactics", 25 March 2011). It is a matter of public record that the ICD had issued a statement a week earlier expressing concern with the increasing number of police brutality cases that is has had to investigate in many parts of the country. It is quite telling that the ICD was not contacted to establish whether or not complaints had been lodged with it before making such a conclusion in the story. The ICD is in fact investigating two (2) deaths due to police action, six (6) cases of malicious damage to property and twenty-five (25) cases of assault. No cases of torture were reported.
The complaints are from the victims of alleged police brutality in Ermelo. Had the ICD been contacted, we would have explained that members of the public are not limited to only complaining in person but that they can write letters or send faxes or complain telephonically and via email. Those without the means can call and give their number so that they can be called back at no cost to them.
The ICD has started investigations into most of the aforesaid complaints and when investigations are completed, the dockets will be sent to the DPP for a decision.
Furthermore, officials from the ICD visited Ermelo on 24 March 2011 as part of gathering information in the pursuance of its investigations.
The investigations are complicated by the fact that different SAPS units were involved, including the National Intervention Unit, TRT, Crime Combating Unit and Dog Unit. Some of the units were from outside Mpumalanga, namely Limpopo and Gauteng (National Office). In order for the culprits to be brought to book, it will be necessary for them to be identified - this will not be easy given the number of units involved and their bases.
Every year the ICD investigates many police officers and brings them to book. Success in this regard depends on the availability of witnesses and victims to give statements and identify the suspects.
A perusal of the ICD's Annual Report 2009/10 indicates convictions for various offences, including murder. Police officers do not get away with wrongdoing.
The media should work with the ICD to ensure that the culprits are identified and by urging members of the public to come forward to report police abuses.