Daily Maverick reports that a new Institute for Security Studies (ISS) analysis shows that police face little chance of being sanctioned internally by the SA Police Service (SAPS) for disciplinary offences.

The analysis provides context to the acquittal by a SAPS disciplinary process of eight VIP Protection Unit officers who assaulted members of the public. In July 2023, officers were filmed dragging a driver and two passengers out of a vehicle, repeatedly kicking them as they lay on the ground, then rapidly leaving the scene. Although the eight police members face criminal charges for the assaults, the SAPS was unable or unwilling to convict any of them despite the video recording of the incident. The criminal case against the eight officials resumes on 10 June. It is said that the decision not to sanction police in a case with such strong evidence will encourage SAPS members to disregard standards regarding the use of force. Excessive and unnecessary force will become even more entrenched than it already is. In the unlikely event that they are charged for ill-discipline, almost 80% of SAPS members will ultimately face no sanction. ISS analysis of data in SAPS annual reports and the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council shows that 6,154 (77.4%) of 7,946 disciplinary cases against SAPS members ended without sanction. At the SAPS Policing Summit in April, discussions consistently highlighted the weakness of the disciplinary system. Police serving in disciplinary hearings as presiding officers or prosecutors (employer representatives) are frequently poorly acquainted with the relevant aspects of the law. This was confirmed at the summit by police trade unions, which often represent accused SAPS members.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by David Bruce at Daily Maverick

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