Posts

0800 111 969 – the new ipid toll-free hotline number

Police minister Bheki Cele, with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s (Ipid) executive director Jennifer Ntlatseng, has launched a new Ipid toll-free number that aims to centralise the directorate’s communication system, to ensure that all South African residents have maximum and free access to its service. The public can now lodge complaints on 0800 111 969, country-wide. Read more >

Less-lethal police weapons, when abused, are deadly too

Members of the South African Police Service. Photo: GroundUp.org.za. Rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, or stun grenades – these are some of the less-lethal weapons police in South Africa use to manage large crowds during unruly protest action. Their colleagues around the world do the same. However, while these weapons are touted as less-lethal, Read more >

Dodgy manufacturers fraudulently using SABS approval mark

By Thato Mahlangu The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) receives reports, almost on a daily basis, about manufacturers who have been advertising and/or selling essential Covid-19 protection products with the fraudulent use of the SABS mark. The SABS is tasked with verifying, approving and accessing the standards of products that are sold in the Read more >

Ramaphosa talks tough on Covid-19 corruption

In his latest address to the nation on Thursday, 23 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa uttered strong words of warning to those complicit in corrupt actions at this time – especially regarding the financial and other assistance given by the government to needy South African residents. This is the sternest – and the longest – speech Read more >

Police reform in South Africa is long overdue

Image credit: Institute for Security Studies By Sabeehah Motala and Melusi Ncala Images of the United States of America burning have dominated headlines these past weeks. The images are seared into our minds, of protest action taking centre stage across the country, and indeed the world, following the killing of George Floyd. Rightfully so, as Read more >

Assault, threats, and the butt of a state gun

Image: GCIS By Valencia Talane NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect new criminal charges brought against four Minneapolis policemen implicated in the death of George Floyd. Initially one officer was charged with third-degree murder but his charge has been upgraded to second-degree, while three more accused of playing a role in Floyd’s death Read more >

Imposter charged with extortion, impersonation

By Thato Mahlangu Investigations into bribery allegations at a Pretoria driving licence testing centre led to the arrest of a police imposter who had been taking bribes from motorists. A joint operation by members of the South African Police Service’s (Saps) Gauteng anti-corruption unit and National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) led to the arrest of Read more >