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Policing the police: IPID to launch toll free number
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is an independent investigate oversight body that ensures policing respects the rule of law and human dignity.
POLICE minister Gen Bheki Cele, and Executive Director for Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Jennifer Ntlatseng have announced the the planned launch of a new toll free number for communities to report complaints about police action or inaction to IPID.
“This number is aimed at centralising the IPID communication system, to ensure maximum and free access to the Directorate’s service to the citizens of this country,” said IPID Spokesperson, Ndileka Cola prior to the briefing which is scheduled for 10am on Monday, 12 October.
Cola said in a communique released via Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) to announce the planned briefing that IPID had noticed an increase in report of GBV and Femicide along with spikes in complaints by communities about the lack of assistance by police.
Cola also noted that some communities had also questioned the commitment of the Directorate to deal with gender related issues.
“This toll free number will ensure that no alleged police misconduct goes unreported due to lack of access or resources,” she said.
According to the IPID Act which went into effect from 1 April 2012 , the mandate of the IPID is to conduct independent and impartial investigations of specified criminality committed by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Municipal Police Services (MPS).
Prior to the launch of the toll-free number, anyone wishing to lodge a complaint had to follow the procedure outlined on the IPID website.
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