Madam Deputy Chairperson, the last time we were together here in this august House, there was a question about the police station in Gingindlovu. So, I just got some feedback here about what the hon member Gamede raised about the shortage of vehicles and so on. It had been attended to. Thanks for that feedback. [Applause.]
Well, hon Ntwanambi, in December 2009, I instructed that a full audit of all criminal charges and convictions relating to police officials be conducted. As the hon member would understand, this audit needs to be comprehensive and as accurate as possible. I would ask the member to wait for the completion of this audit after which I will make a full comment on the issue.
The commission of any act which may also constitute a criminal offence is considered exclusion under the conditions of employment. As I explained earlier, I instructed that a full audit be conducted. Whenever legal and policy impediments in this regard are identified, steps are taken to rectify shortcomings, for example, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has been requested to consider introducing legislation in Parliament pertaining to the use of lethal force by a police official to align legislation in line with the earlier judgment of the Constitutional Court. Thank you.
Hon Deputy Chairperson and hon Minister, firstly, I am very appreciative of the full audit that you're asking for, but I have a concern inasmuch as in every case where a police member has been taken or been suspended for misconduct, that case must go as far as the courts. The police can only defend those cases in court. Is that the right procedure from what I understand?
Secondly, could changes be made so that the case does not have to go to court in order for us to save money in this regard?
Madam Deputy Chairperson, each case will be taken on its own merit. There are purely disciplinary matters that do not eventually reach the courts, but there are those which are of a criminal nature that inevitably have to reach the courts. Perhaps what would help us is to look at each case on its own merits and demerits. Thank you.
Number of SA Police Service members arrested and jailed for crimes committed while on duty and outside their duties, and nature of crimes
2. Ms N D Ntwanambi (ANC) asked the Minister of Police:
(a) What is the total number of the SA Police Service members who were (i) arrested and (ii) jailed for crimes they committed while on duty and outside their duties during the period 1 January 2005 up to 28 February 2010 and (b) what is the nature of crimes they committed?