IPID Empowered To Probe Deaths Caused By SAPS, Municipal Police Members

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced on Wednesday that a new law allows Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to investigate any deaths caused by South African Police Service (SAPS) members or municipal police officers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the IPID Amendment Bill signed into law that also empowers IPID can now investigate cases of rape by SAPS or municipal police members, whether they were on or off duty. Furthermore, the new law requires IPID to conduct security screenings before employment.

"The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favor or prejudice," Magwenya said, IOL reported.

He added, "The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the executive director of IPID and broadens the executive director's responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters."

The presidency spokesperson said the updated law follows an earlier Constitutional Court ruling in the McBride v Minister of Police case.

It also addresses another decision that struck down parts of the IPID Act which previously allowed the Minister of Police to discipline the IPID executive director without parliamentary approval.

The Presidency said the new law is designed to strengthen IPID's independence and allows the directorate to investigate serious crimes committed by police officers, whether they are on or off duty.

"The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service," he said.

He added, "The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilizes stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters."

Furthermore, the law includes provisions to protect the job conditions of current IPID investigators and provincial heads.