Chairperson, we will respond again on the matter in the question put by the hon Makhubela. As we said earlier, the 1995 judgment in the case of Makwanyane by former Chief Justice Chaskalson has been further clarified by the Constitutional Court in 2002 in the judgment on the case of the Minister of Safety and Security and Others v Walters and Another. The SA Police abide by the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the latter case. As I said, Chairperson, I have acknowledged Commissioner Makhubela, the hon Makhubela. [Laughter.]
Number of police members disciplined and charged with negligent driving, number of vehicles written off by department as a result, and details regarding policeman who shot himself in Khayelitsha
8. Mr T M H Mofokeng (ANC) asked the Minister of Police:
(1) (a) How many police members were (i) disciplined and (ii) charged with negligent driving after they were involved in car accidents between 1 January 2005 and 28 February 2010 and (b) what is the total number of police vehicles that were written off by his department as a result of the accidents;
(2) whether a policeman who shot himself in Khayelitsha (details furnished) had any previous record(s) of sanctions; if so, what are the relevant details? CO62E
Hon Mofokeng, the department is only in possession of verified information as from 1 April 2008 to 31 January 2010, extracted from the departmental systems in response to this question.
A total of 230 members of the SA Police Service, the SAPS, were disciplined after they were charged for reckless and negligent driving following their involvement in car accidents; and 293 members were charged. A total of 10 420 vehicles were written off as a result of accidents between 1 January 2005 and 28 February 2010.
The policeman who shot himself in Khayelitsha, as referred to in the question, had no previous records and/or sanctions against him. In the year 2009, he was, on two occasions, involved in car accidents which resulted in his appearance before the station collision committee. As a precautionary measure, his authority to drive state vehicles was suspended for a period of three months during which he was redeployed to perform community service centre duties.
On Monday, 15 February 2010, whilst chasing a suspect vehicle, he was involved in an accident with a state vehicle where he collided with another state vehicle. On Friday, 19 February 2010, whilst driving a state vehicle, he collided with a private vehicle after which he, unfortunately, shot himself. It is worth mentioning that the member referred to was the only constable deployed as a sector commander and excelled in the performance of his duties. Perhaps, on the issue of the 10 420 vehicles that we spoke about, there are many possible reasons advanced to this effect: firstly, depending on where the vehicles are located; it is a generally known fact that police vehicles travel a huge number of kilometres, annually - they are expected to patrol communities, transport people to court, attend to complaints, and, in some cases, to change their shifts. As the kilometres build up, it is possible that the maintenance and roadworthy condition of the vehicle deteriorates.
Secondly, if one disaggregates the number it translates to about 2 000 vehicles which are being written off yearly as a result of accidents, this means that a relatively high number of vehicles are being written off. This figure should be disaggregated to understand the exact causes. Below are some of the possible reasons for accidents and vehicles being written off: firstly, vehicle damaged while pursuing criminals in car chases - this is plausible; secondly, vehicles damaged in pursuits through rough terrain, particularly in rural or mountainous areas - this is also plausible; thirdly, vehicles damaged through poor maintenance management - this is also traceable on records that show how long the average police vehicle spends in the SAPS maintenance garage. Thank you.
Chair, in his response, the hon Minister says that he believes that poor maintenance of police vehicles may be leading to their malfunctioning. If that is the case, what measures will he take to prevent that from occurring?
I will follow it up with the head of the department, Gen Cele, to ensure that these things are attended to. We have noted it as the member has posed them; therefore, the general will have to do what is expected of him. Thank you.
Chairperson, with regard to the number of accidents and the police vehicles which are written off, is there any insurance covering these vehicles?
Well, there is insurance for both employed members driving and the tools of the trade. Thank you.
Chair, I would like to ask the Minister - maybe he's got the facts available - how many vehicles have been written off? If 2 000 vehicles are written off per year, I hate to think how many police vehicles have been involved in accidents; few are written off, and some are severely damaged. Does the Minister have any figures for that? Thank you.
Chairperson, I still have to go back home and check. Home refers to the Headquarters of the ... [Inaudible.]
Chairperson, I was following the last question the Minister answered regarding insurance for the police vehicles and the people who are involved in accidents. I didn't hear him mentioning what happens if a member of the public is involved in such an accident. Is there any cover for a member of the public? If they are not covered, what is the reason?
Chairperson, this is a new one. We will check, as I said before. It's a new thing altogether.
Yes, it's a new question, because the member wants statistics which I don't think the Minister is ready to divulge.
Details regarding visible policing programme
9. Mr T M H Mofokeng (ANC) asked the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether his department has extended the visible policing programme to townships and informal settlements across the country; if not, why not; if so,
(2) whether the programme uses similar initiatives such as patrol in cars, on foot, horseback, motorcycle or bicycle as in some urban areas; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he will consider extending such initiatives in the areas that have been identified as "crime hot spots" in the townships; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?