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South African Police Service

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For the apartheid-era police force, see South African Police.
South African Police Service
File:SouthAfricanPS.gif
AbbreviationSAPS
Agency overview
Formed1995
Preceding agencies
  • South African Police
  • Homeland police agencies
Employees190,199[1] (March 2010)
Jurisdictional structure
National agencySouth Africa
Operations jurisdictionSouth Africa
Size1,219,090 km2
Population49,320,500[1] (June 2009)
Constituting instruments
  • Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, Chapter 11, Section 205
  • South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995
General nature
Operational structure
Officers150,513[1] (March 2010)
Civilians39,033[1] (March 2010)
Divisions
6
  • Visible Policing
  • Cluster Coordination
  • Detective Service
  • Crime Intelligence
  • Criminal Record and Forensic Science Services
  • Protection and Security Services
Provincials
9
  • Eastern Cape
  • Free State
  • Gauteng
  • Kwazulu-Natal
  • Mpumalanga
  • Northern Cape
  • Limpopo
  • North West
  • Western Cape
Facilities
Stations1116[1]
Website
http://www.saps.gov.za/

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is the national police force of the Republic of South Africa. Its 1116 police stations in South Africa are divided according to the provincial borders, and a Provincial Commissioner is appointed in each province. The 9 Provincial Commissioners report directly to the National Commissioner.

The Constitution of South Africa lays down that the South African Police Service has a responsibility to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, uphold and enforce the law, create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa, prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security of any community, investigate any crimes that threaten the safety or security of any community, ensure criminals are brought to justice and participate in efforts to address the causes of crime.[2]

From 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, 107 SAPS officers died while on duty.[1]

History

See also: South African Police

The South African Police Service traces its origin to the Dutch Watch, a paramilitary organization formed by settlers in the Cape in 1655, initially to protect civilians against attack and later to maintain law and order. In 1795 British officials assumed control over the Dutch Watch and in 1825 they organized the Cape Constabulary, which became the Cape Town Police Force in 1840. In 1854 a police force was established in Durban which would become the Durban Borough Police and in 1935 the Durban City Police (DCP).[3] Act 3 of 1855 established the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police Force in the Eastern Cape, restyled as the Cape Mounted Riflemen in 1878.[4]

The South African Police was eventually created after the Union of South Africa in 1913. Four years later, the Mounted Riflemen's Association relinquished its civilian responsibilities to the SAP as most of its riflemen left to serve in World War I. The SAP and the military maintained their close relationship even after the SAP assumed permanent responsibility for domestic law and order in 1926. Police officials often called on the army for support in emergencies. In World War II, one SAP brigade served with the 2nd Infantry Division of the South African Army in North Africa.

When the National Party (NP) edged out its more liberal opponents in nationwide elections in 1948, the new government enacted legislation strengthening the relationship between the police and the military. The police were heavily armed after that, especially when facing unruly or hostile crowds. The Police Act (No. 7) of 1958 broadened the mission of the SAP beyond conventional police functions, such as maintaining law and order and investigating and preventing crime, and gave the police extraordinary powers to quell unrest and to conduct counterinsurgency activities. The Police Amendment Act (No. 70) of 1965 empowered the police to search without warrant any person, receptacle, vehicle, aircraft, or premise within one mile of any national border and to seize anything found during such a search. This search-and-seize zone was extended to within eight miles of any border in 1979 and to the entire country in 1983.

After the end of apartheid, the SAP was renamed South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Ministry of Law and Order was renamed the Ministry of Safety and Security, in keeping with these symbolic reforms. The new minister of safety and security, Sydney Mufamadi, obtained police training assistance from Zimbabwe, Britain and Canada and proclaimed that racial tolerance and human rights would be central to police training programs in the future. By the end of 1995, the SAPS had incorporated the ten police agencies from the former homelands and had reorganized at both the national level and at the level of South Africa's nine new provinces.

Organisation and composition

File:South African Police-Memorial01.jpg
Police Memorial at the Union Buildings in Pretoria

The SAPS currently consist of a large reserve division named the South African Reserve Police Service. These members help part-time to combat crime in South Africa.

Three police unions were active in bargaining on behalf of police personnel and in protecting the interests of the work force, as of 1996. These are the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, which has about 150 000 members; the South African Police Union (SAPU), which has about 35,000 members; and the Public Service Association (PSA), which has about 4,000 members.

The commissioned officers in the force are 57% black, 28% white, 10% coloured, 5% Indian; 70% male, 30% female. Non-commissioned officers are 78% black, 10% coloured, 10% white, 2% Indian; 78% male, 22% female.[1]

Divisions

South African Police Service demonstration in Johannesburg, May 2010

The SAPS headquarters in Pretoria is organized into six divisions. These are the Crime Combating and Investigation Division, the Visible Policing Division, the Internal Stability Division, the Community Relations Division, the Supporting Services Division, and the Human Resource Management Division.

The Crime Combating and Investigation Division holds overall responsibility for coordinating information about crime and investigative procedures. It administers the SAPS Criminal Record Centre, the SAPS Commercial Crime Unit, the SAPS Diamond and Gold Branch, the South African Narcotics Bureau, the Stock Theft Unit, the Inspectorate for Explosives, murder and robbery units located in each major city, and vehicle theft units throughout the country. In addition, the division manages the National Bureau of Missing Persons, which was established in late 1994.

The Visible Policing Division manages highly public police operations, such as guarding senior government officials and dignitaries. Most government residences are guarded by members of the division's Special Guard Unit. The division's all-volunteer Special Task Force handles hostage situations and other high-risk activities. The Internal Stability Division is responsible for preventing and quelling internal unrest, and for assisting other divisions in combating crime. The Community Relations Division consults with all police divisions concerning accountability and respect for human rights. The Supporting Services Division manages financial, legal, and administrative aspects of the SAPS. The Human Resource Management Division helps to hire, to train, and to maintain a competent work force for the SAPS.

The Annual Report of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008, was published on 29 August 2008.[5] In terms of this report, the structure of the SAPS, looks quite different than in 1996.

The National Commissioner is assisted by five Deputy National Commissioners (DNC):

  • Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Intelligence and Crime Detection, assisted by three Divisional Commissioners, namely Detective Services, Criminal Record & Forensic Science Services and Crime Intelligence;
  • Deputy National Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Legal & Financial Administration Services, assisted by four Divisional Commissioners, namely Career Management, Training, Legal Services and Financial & Administration Services;
  • Deputy National Commissioner for Personnel Management & Organisational Development, assisted by two Divisional Commissioners, namely Personnel Services and Efficiency Services, Information & System Management, Communication & Liaison Services;
  • Deputy National Commissioner for Operational Services, assisted by two Divisional Commissioners, namely Visible Policing and Cluster Coordination;
  • Deputy National Commissioner for Supply Chain Management, Protection, Security & Evaluation Services, assisted by three Divisional Commissioners, namely Protection & Security Services, Supply Chain Management and National Inspectorate.

Ranks

The current ranking system of the SAPS was adopted on 1 April 2010.[6] The change caused some controversy as the new ranks like "general" and "colonel" have a military connotation. Furthermore the new rank system mirrors the system used by the South African Police during the apartheid era. In 2009, Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula spoke of making the police a paramilitary force by changing the SAPS ranking system so that it would closely mirror the military ranking system. This created a significant amount of controversy from people critical of what they called the "militarisation" of the police.[7][8][9]

National Commissioners

Air Wing

A South African Police Service Bo 105 helicopter

The South African Police Service operate a fleet of 51 airplanes and helicopters.

Airplanes[citation needed]

Helicopters[citation needed]

Controversies

Conviction of former National Police Commissioner

On 10 September 2007 a warrant of arrest was issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for National Police Commissioner (served as Interpol President from 2004 until 12 January 2008 when he resigned voluntarily) Jackie Selebi. On 23 September 2007 President Mbeki suspended NPA Head Vusi Pikoli, allegedly because of "an irretrievable breakdown" in the relationship between Pikoli and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla. However, journalists at the Mail and Guardian claim to have solid information supporting the widespread suspicion that President Mbeki suspended Pikoli as part of a bid to shield Police Commissioner Selebi.[10] According to the Mail and Guardian at 5 October 2007 the NPA is investigating Selebi for corruption, fraud, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice.[10] Selebi was found guilty of corruption on 2 July 2010, but not guilty of further charges of perverting the course of justice.[11]

Remilitarisation

In 2010 the police were 'remilitarised' after having been reorganised on a civilian basis at the end of apartheid. Some have argued that this has been a key cause of an escalation in political repression by the police.[12]

Maladministration by National Commissioner Bheki Cele

In February 2011 Bheki Cele was implicated in unlawful conduct and maladministration with a R500m lease agreement for the new police headquarters in Pretoria.[13] On 24 October 2011, President Jacob Zuma announced that Cele had been suspended pending an investigation into the agreement.[14]

On 12 June 2012, after a recommendation from a board of inquiry, Zuma dismissed Cele and announced that Mangwashi Phiyega, the first female commissioner, would replace him.[15]

Lonmin Platinum Mining Incident

The Lonmin Platinum Mining Incident, widely referred to as a massacre, occurred when police broke up a wildcat strike by platinum mine workers on Thursday, 16 August 2012, and resulted in the deaths of 34 miners, as well as the injury of an additional 78 miners. The incident took place at the Lonmin platinum mines in Marikana, South Africa. Occurring in the post-apartheid era, it was the deadliest incident of violence between police and the civilian population in South Africa since the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre.</ref>[16][17]

Police brutality

Amnesty International has expressed concerns about police brutality, including torture and extra-judicial killings, in South Africa.[18][19] There has also been concern about brutal training methods for the police.[20] According to Peter Jordi from the Wits Law Clinic "[Police] Torture is spiralling out of control. It is happening everywhere."[21] Brandon Edmonds argues that "The cops prey on the poor in this country."[22] In April 2012 an editorial in The Times opined that "It seems torture and outright violation of human rights is becoming the order of the day for some of our police officers and experts warn that the line between criminals and our law enforcement officers is "blurred"."[23]

Corruption in Gauteng Province

630 police officers from Gauteng Province were arrested in 2011, most for fraud and corruption, but also for rape and murder. [24]

Political repression

A number of community organisations and social movements have accused the SAPS of acting against them with illegality and brutality.[25][26][27][28] Independent studies have confirmed that the SAPS has been used to repress peaceful marches and freedom of association.[29]

In 27 April 2009, SAPS attempted to ban a well-known event among the social movements called unFreedom Day[30] and was implicated in support for September 2009 ANC mob that attacked the elected leadership of the shack settlement at Kennedy Road, Durban.[31][32][33]

SAPS has also been implicated in draconian policing measures. Numerous accusations come from the infamous Blikkiesdorp Temporary Relocation Area in Delft, Cape Town where police have been accused of suppression of freedoms and illegal curfews.[34][35][36]

A number of unarmed protestors have been killed by the South African Police since 2000. The following list is not complete:

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Profile of the SAPS as on 31 March 2010
  2. ^ SAPS: PROFILE - Vision and Mission
  3. ^ Newham, Gareth. "Metropolitan Police Services in South Africa, 2002". csvr.org.za. Retrieved 8 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ McCracken, Donal P (1991). "The Irish in South Africa - The Police, A Case Study (Part 20)". Irish Times. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
  5. ^ SAPS Annual Report 2007-2008
  6. ^ http://www.saps.gov.za/org_profiles/NEW_RANK_STRUCTURE_WEB.pdf
  7. ^ The professor and the police minister. Paul Trewhela, 25 October 2009
  8. ^ Asmal: Militarisation of police is "craziness" Mail & Guardian, 19 October 2009
  9. ^ Green Zone Nation: The South African government’s new growth path, Open Democracy, 19 March 2012
  10. ^ a b The desperate bid to shield Selebi
  11. ^ "South Africa ex-police head Selebi guilty of corruption". BBC. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
  12. ^ The South African Police Service and the Public Order War, by Chris McMichael, Think Africa Press, 3 September 2012
  13. ^ http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Cele-must-explain-says-protector-20110304
  14. ^ http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Politics/Bheki-Cele-suspended-over-lease-saga-20111024
  15. ^ http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Bheki-Cele-fired-20120612
  16. ^ The South African Police Service and the Public Order War, by Chris McMichael, Think Africa Press, 3 September 2012
  17. ^ The Marikana Massacre: A turning point for South Africa, by Nigel Gibson, Truthout, 2 September 2012
  18. ^ Amnesty red flag police brutality, Craig Dodds, 13 May 2011
  19. ^ Amnesty International South Africa Report 2011
  20. ^ Police training: Brutality exposed, KAMVELIHLE GUMEDE-JOHNSON, MAIL AND GUARDIAN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - 3 June 2011]
  21. ^ 'Predator police' in reign of terror GRAEME HOSKEN, The Times, 30 April 2012
  22. ^ The New Toyi Toyi, Brandon Edmonds, Mahala, 12 May 2012
  23. ^ If the police are no better than thugs, who will save us?, Editorial, The Times, 30 April 2012
  24. ^ http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/south-africa/120509/south-africa-crime-corruption-police-officers-law, Global Post, South Africa troubled by corrupt cops, 10 May 2012
  25. ^ See for instance this statement by Abahlali baseMjondolo
  26. ^ "Housing and Evictions at the N2 Gateway Project in Delft". Abahlali baseMjondolo. 8 May 2008.
  27. ^ "Video of Delft shootings on eTV". YouTube. 19 February 2008.
  28. ^ "Pictures of Delft evictions and police brutality". Anti-Eviction Campaign. 22 February 2008.
  29. ^ See, for instance, a report on illegal police repression in South Africa by the Freedom of Expression Institute
  30. ^ "UnFreedom Day 2009". Libcom.
  31. ^ "'Attackers associated with ANC'". News24.
  32. ^ "The Attacks Continue in the Presence of the Police and Senior ANC Leaders". Abahlali baseMjondolo.
  33. ^ "Joint Statement on the attacks on the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Durban". Professor John Dugard SC, et al.
  34. ^ Smith, David (1 April 2010). "Life in 'Tin Can Town' for the South Africans evicted ahead of World Cup". London: The Guardian Newspaper.
  35. ^ "Somalis harassed and threatened, but too broke to leave". Anti-Eviction Campaign.
  36. ^ "Photos: 'Blikkiesdorp', the Symphony Way TRA 18 01 2009". Anti-Eviction Campaign.
  37. ^ Two student protesters killed by police in Durban, South Africa
  38. ^ Police shoot dead two high school pupils resisting eviction, Report by Anti-Privatisation Forum Kathorus Concerned Residents (KCR), 19/02/04
  39. ^ a b Tatane’s death opens old wounds for family, City Press, Lucas Ledwaba, 2004
  40. ^ On the Murder of Andries Tatane, Richard Pithouse, All Africa, April 2011
  41. ^ Business as Usual: Housing Rights in Durban, South Africa, Centre on Housing Rights & Evictions, Geneva, 2008
  42. ^ Activist killed by South African police at demonstration against water privatisation, IndyMedia Ireland, 2008
  43. ^ Unisa student's body released from mortuary, Gugu Mbonambi, Daily News, 2008
  44. ^ We Are All the Public, The Witness', 20 July 2009
  45. ^ Service Delivery Protests: Findings from Quick Response Research on Four 'Hot spots', by Luke Sinwell, Joshua Kirshner, Kgopotso Khumalo, Owen Manda, Peter Pfaffe, Comfort Phokela & Carin Runciman with Peter Alexander, Claire Ceruti, Marcelle Dawson, Mosa Phadi; Centre for Sociological Research, University of Johannesburg, 2009
  46. ^ Two deaths, dozens of injuries and counting..., Jared Sacks, Abahlali.org, July 2010
  47. ^ Man shot during protest dies, SAPA, IOL, Oct 2010
  48. ^ Police brutality, Leadership Magazine, 25 April 2011
  49. ^ South Africa Police open fire on protesters following 3rd day of aggressive action, USAfricaOnline, 16 Feb 2011
  50. ^ SA police fire rubber bullets, Herald, 16 Feb 2011
  51. ^ Ermelo Residents See No Reason To Vote, Dianne Hawker, IOL, 20 February 2011
  52. ^ 100 victims of police brutality take action, Sizwe Sam Yende, City Press, 8 May 2011
  53. ^ Cite error: The named reference mg.co.za was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  54. ^ ‘We want jobs now’, IOL, 4 March 2011
  55. ^ 1,200 strikers face axe, IOL, 5 March 2011
  56. ^ South African union activist killed: Demand justice now, Public Services International, 2011
  57. ^ Protesters shot dead, The Sowetan, JUN 1, 2011 | ALFRED MOSELAKGOMO
  58. ^ R7bn cop brutality price tag, By Graeme Hosken, IOL, 9 June 2011
  59. ^ Youngster shot dead in crossfire, by Slindile Maluleka and Silusaphu Nyanda, Daily News, 4 July 2012
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