The Western Cape Police Ombudsman (WCPO) says several complaints against police in the province relate to “poor communication” and “unacceptable behaviour”.
The province’s Community Safety and Police Oversight Department says this came from a report by the Ombudsman, investigating complaints between April and December last year.
“The WCPO seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police services and to improve relations between the police and the communities by investigating complaints of police inefficiency and / or a breakdown of relations between the police and any community.” – Reagan Allen, MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight
Report outcomes
In the second and third quarter of last year, 46 reports relating to “poor investigation” were logged with the WCPO. Most of complaints were made against police stations in Cape Town and surrounding areas, with others reported in Riviersonderend, Uniondale, Clanwilliam, Da Gamaskop, Robertson, Piketberg and Saldanha.
“During quarter 2, July to September 2023, 25 poor investigation reports were received. For quarter 3, October to December 2023, 21 poor investigation complaints were received,” says Allen.
Among the array of other complaints were issues such as “poor communication, poor response, and unacceptable behaviour”.
Allen appealed to residents in the province to make use of the Ombudsman’s services – to ensure that police do their job correctly.
“The Ombudsman’s office play an important role in holding SAPS accountable, so that they can deliver an effective and professional service to the residents of the province… I also encourage our communities to make use of the services offered by the ombudsman.”
Kim Seale, of the WCPO, says after a matter has been finalised the Provincial Commissioner’s office is advised and the case is handed over.
“Once the complaint is finalized, the Provincial Commissioner is provided with a closing letter informing him/her of the outcome of the investigation, including recommendations emanating from the investigation process. The current legislative framework does not make provision for post-monitoring powers.”
WCPO investigations
At the same time, Allen praised the work done by the WCPO – having finalised more than 86% of the cases (or 265 cases) it had last year. He says it is currently investigating 30 cases, with a further 4 cases that will be finalised soon.
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*This article was updated to include the response of the Western Cape Police Ombudsman
