A total of 44 miners lost their lives and at least 78 others were injured. Woman dumps SA man — and then he wins R60m PowerBall, Pensioner, 91, loses RDP house to senior ANC official. The killing of these miners was caught and broadcast on live television. In the light of the history of brutality by the South African Police during apartheid there would appear to be considerable justification for the exploration of questions to do with police brutality in contemporary South Africa. (1) Gibson Ncube is a Research Associate with the Rights in Focus unit at CAI. The distance from Johannesburg’s Sandton suburb–the richest square kilometre in Africa–to a slum without running water is all of three miles.(7). Burger explains in this respect that “police brutality could not simply be blamed on a few ‘bad apples’, which is an approach taken by police leadership to shift attention from their own shortcomings.”(27) He concludes in the same vein that “the root of the problem lies in poor command and control. In its 2012/13 annual report, the IPID disclosed that “a total of 6,728 cases were received by the IPID during the reporting period. POLICE BRUTALITY: Police officer breaks woman’s leg during Raila's visit to Huruma Tragedy site Related Topics apartheid 2017 general elections police brutality Ryan Leonora Brown, editor of the Africa Monitor blog, notes: South Africa now has the second widest gap between its rich and its poor in the world. Speculation about what actually happened, including the disclosure of names of the police officials involved, would at this stage of the investigation be detrimental to the probe that is under way.”. To access earlier articles, click Advanced Search and set an earlier date range.To search for a term containing the '&' symbol, click Advanced Search and use the 'search headings' and/or 'in first paragraph' options. The police thus use brutal force while fully cognisant that they will receive the backing of the political leaders.      EMAIL THIS ARTICLE. Similar to what’s happening in America with rampant and racist police brutality, the South African Police force is still acting out the murderous and racist ways of the past. ... Police trapped the … (22) Hosken, G., ‘Why SA cops are so brutal’, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 26 May 2011, http://www.csvr.org.za. Commemoration for Ebrahim Carelse, bystander killed by apartheid police brutality. Which is why, more than three decades later, the police killing of George Floyd still takes an emotional toll on black South Africans, who find themselves reliving the trauma of apartheid… Both the devastating effects of violence, and the risk factors underlying it, have existed before…and will continue to exist.”(5) The official crime statistics for 2012/13 prepared by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) show that there has been a steady increase in violent crimes in South Africa. There’s been a serious rise in brutal police enforcement and killings under a post-apartheid government, and most of these acts of brutality have been inflicted on the black poor. POLICE BRUTALITY: Police officer breaks woman’s leg during Raila's visit to Huruma Tragedy site Related Topics apartheid 2017 general elections police brutality At least 67 blacks were killed and more than 180 wounded. He was tied onto the back of a police vehicle and dragged around the township of Daveyton in full view of local residents. The next section discusses areas that require critical attention, if the reputation—and more importantly, the conduct—of the SAPS are to be rehabilitated. Stock image, , “The investigation will not reach a verdict, we need a separate investigative unit to handle these cases on a national level.”, “What have we done as black people in this country to be treated like this? Another example is by the former Police Commissioner Bheki Cele, who advised the police in 2007 to use lethal force and always “aim for the head”(26) whenever under attack. These instructions from those in leadership positions incite police officers to think that they can do whatever they want, and that they are above the law. After the police shooting, many of the locals I spoke to in Eldorado Park echoed a popular refrain among coloured South Africans, “During apartheid we … The prime duties of the IPID involve investigating crimes allegedly committed by police officers, including violations of SAPS policy as well as national legislation. (17) ‘Code of Conduct of the South African Police Service’, October 1997, http://www.saps.gov.za. President Jacob Zuma alluded to this fact when he stated that apartheid was directly responsible for creating a culture of violence: In the video, an officer can be seen searching one of the men, before shouting and pointing at him. The Turn to Violence During 1959 and 1960, violence broke out in several South African cities. Despite racial reconciliation that emerged after the end of the apartheid system, poor and black South Africans still fall victim to security forces that now are mostly black. For South Africans who survived apartheid, the end of the brutal system was the birth of a new world, midwifed in large part by Nelson Mandela. Leadership is another salient aspect that needs to be examined. BRUTALITY Apartheid activist Bradley Steyn shows the spot to his chest where he was hit by a police baton. For example, in 2013, the ISS reported that “1,448 serving police officials had convictions for serious crimes ranging from murder to rape and assault.”(24) If the SAPS wants to increase its human resources base, it has to do so without compromising the quality of the police officers that are recruited. (30) Rademeyer, J., ‘Police minister’s speech a glass half full’, Africa Check, 5 June 2013, http://africacheck.org. On Apartheid, Police Brutality, and Internationalism. The most publicised of these cases were the mass killing of miners on strike in the North West province and the killing of a taxi driver in the township of Daveyton in Gauteng. Although this graph shows a slight decrease from 2010 in levels of criminal cases against the police as well as police-related deaths, the figures still remain unreasonably high. Although the majority of reported cases of police brutality are isolated incidents, they do nonetheless point to brute behaviour which in itself evinces a systemic problem. According to her, “Only one conviction was obtained in 217 deaths allegedly at the hands of the police or in police custody, as investigated by the directorate in Gauteng in 2011/12.”(14) In 2013, the Parliament of South Africa promulgated the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act, which sought to protect and promote human dignity, including that of individuals who have been arrested and are in police custody. Apartheid sparked significant internal resistance. The next section attempts to analyse the manner in which there is need to police the police if their current modus operandi is to be improved. The objective of this paper was to revisit the issue of police brutality in post-apartheid South Africa, since it has recently become a highly contextual topic with polarising views. All primary school pupils can return on February 15, but secondary schools must ... Teargas & clashes with police as youth protest: What's happening in Tunisia? Mokuria saw her father get shot and killed by the police when she was 10. Many cases are alleged to be of brutality; some cases are more than allegations, with official reports concluding that a crime was committed by police, with some criminal convictions for offences such as grievous bodily harm, planting evidence and … It is also asserted in this paper that there is urgent need to police the police, if the prevalence of brutality by law enforcement agents is to be curbed. Only five of 147 cases of alleged police brutality in Gauteng have been resolved in the past five years. (11) In the second case, on 26 February 2013, a Mozambican immigrant, Mido Macia, was arrested by the police for causing traffic congestion. And those who live among the world’s economic elite and those who survive on a few dollars a day don’t inhabit distinct worlds. User @VaVaVoomCPT said, “The investigation will not reach a verdict, we need a separate investigative unit to handle these cases on a national level.”. Tlabi affirmed that in the past, the “IPID has complained that the recommendations they make to the SAPS don’t get implemented and the police actually close rank.”(20) It is perplexing that although there are legislation and investigative directorates in place to ensure that the SAPS operates efficiently and in a manner respecting human rights and dignity, cases of police brutality and impunity continue to soar. (4) Ojeme, V., ‘Federal government demands action from South Africa over assaulted Nigerian’, The Vanguard, 13 March 2014, http://www.vanguardngr.com. It has to be considered in the broader socioeconomic and political context in which the police force operates. At least 67 blacks were killed and more than 180 wounded. (5) Dziewanski, D., ‘The real face of violence in South Africa’, The Mail and Guardian, 13 March 2014, http://www.thoughtleader.co.za. ... 1960, would provide a turning point in the struggle against apartheid. In 1960, at the black township of Sharpesville, the police opened fire on a group of unarmed blacks associated with the Pan-African Congress (PAC), an offshoot of the ANC. Where is the Western Cape commissioner?”, “Is this sjambok even part of the SA Police Service issued equipment?”, “This is police brutality. Floyd’s death also emboldened a small number of people in Kenya to march and tell their own stories of injustice and brutality by police. A few events hold great significance and are considered turning points in the development and the fall of apartheid. So violent that even if you peacefully demonstrated, they would shoot at you and kill you. Some individuals have tried to justify the level of brutality by the South These and other incidents reveal a number of issues. She stated, “You must kill the bastards if they threaten you or the community. (15) Burger, J., ‘Police brutality: Reasons and Solutions’, Institute for Security Studies, 11 April 2013, http://www.issafrica.org. 3 days ago. Can the violence of apartheid continue to be used to explain the ongoing violence of South African societies? He was referring to the BBC report which showed police beating and kicking suspected car thieves. (12) Parker, F., ‘Cops drag man to his death – for stopping traffic’, The Mail and Guardian, 1 March 2013, http://mg.co.za. Research Manager: Mandy Noonan. One major issue associated with police brutality is that it negatively impacts the relationship between the police and the public. Edited by Kate Morgan. Apartheid was a very violent system. (13) Raphaely, C., ‘Apartheid culture of police brutality still alive today’, The Mail and Guardian, 31 January 2014, http://mg.co.za. It is herein contended that even though the SAPS has inherited a violent past from apartheid, there is need to take responsibility for the present-day behaviour of the police force, instead of using apartheid as a convenient scapegoat. (16) ‘Independent Police Investigative Directorate Annual Report 2012/2013’, IPID, August 2013, http://www.ipid.gov.za. According to reports, the police were trying to enforce social distancing amid snaking queues. Total claims against the police have doubled in the past two years to R14.8 billion [US$ 1.4 billion].”(21). Apartheid flying squad - This extract shows examples of the mistreatment of black people by the police during Apartheid. Your password will be sent to this address. (14) Ibid. Cases such as the August 2012 killing of 34 mineworkers in Marikana in the North West province,(2) the death of Mido Macia after being dragged behind a police van in Daveyton in Gauteng province,(3) and the ruthless March 2014 assault on Clement Emekeneh in Cape Town (4) are just the tip of the iceberg of the ever escalating brutality of the SAPS. The brutal reality of apartheid in South Africa 7 December 1976: This edited eye-witness account of the action by South African police in a black township … “What in the apartheid is this,” asked user @explicit_lut. Two suspected assassins slain on an ordinary suburban road in the middle of the day with spine-chilling brutality. This incident was filmed on a phone and the video immediately went viral on social media. Protesters were beaten and tried en masse in unfair legal proceedings. The minister’s refusal to condemn disproportionate use of force by the police is extremely dangerous for SA. The first case occurred on 16 August 2012, when a workers’ strike at Lonmin Mine in Marikana ended with police cornering the striking workers and opening fire on them. They also tend to have poorer educational outcomes. Secondly, it appears that police officers are not conversant with the code of conduct of the SAPS. Bheki Cele needs to tame his boys now, they are out of control,” said user @ntobengnkadimen. The IPID was formed in April 1997 to deal with cases that involve improper discharge of duties by the police. In recent years, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has come under the spotlight due to the increasing number of incidents in which civilians have been assaulted or even killed by the police. Having a police force composed of criminals is a self-defeating exercise if one of the main objectives of the SAPS is to ensure that offenders are brought to justice. Note: Search is limited to the most recent 250 articles. After the police shooting, many of the locals I spoke to in Eldorado Park echoed a popular refrain among coloured South Africans, “During apartheid we … (9) ‘Violence comes from apartheid: Zuma’, News24, 15 February 2013, http://www.news24.com. The police have made efforts to to move on from the brutality of the apartheid era. There are significant disparities in South Africa’s education system. President Jacob Zuma alluded to this fact when he stated that apartheid was directly responsible for creating a culture of violence: I don't think as a nation we just became violent overnight. By Audre Lorde. South Africa in the apartheid era was marred by police brutality and arbitrary detentions. EMAIL THIS ARTICLE      SAVE THIS ARTICLE, To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here Bheki Cele needs to tame his boys now, they are out of control,”. This list compiles incidents alleged or proved to be due to police brutality that attracted significant media or historical attention. (26) Plantive, C., ‘SA cops urged to aim for the head’, The Mail and Guardian, 22 July 2007, http://mg.co.za. For how long can apartheid be held responsible for the ills that plague post-1994 South Africa? Pertinent as Zuma’s explanation may be, it is important to point out that 20 years have passed since the fall of the apartheid regime. “A plea is hereby made for space to be given for the sanctioned investigation to unfold and be finalised soon. Police reports from the time of the massacre claimed that panicking officers spontaneously fired into an increasingly violent crowd; however, other sources claim that the … (18) Ibid. "This brutality is not structured racially but it is structured against the poor in society," Ibrahim told ABC News. (29) Ibid. Before its end in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela, the years of apartheid were filled with many struggles and brutality. The group had arrived at the police station without passes, inviting arrest as an act of resistance. The group had arrived at the police station without passes, inviting arrest as an act of resistance. “Is this sjambok even part of the SA Police Service issued equipment?” user @Buntumzileni2 asked. Ipid said that it had managed to identify the duo who were seen in video footage as well as the police … The photo was taken right before his emergency surgery to save his left testicle, after he was shot close-range rubber bullet by Los Angeles police on Sunday. Furthermore, the 2012/13 report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) shows that the number of cases reported involving police misconduct and brutality continue to rise alarmingly. A police officer shot her in the back on that November day in 1990. The table below shows the changing levels of reported cases between the 2011/12 and 2012/13 periods of review: Figure 2: Number of cases reported to the IPID (16). Police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said an investigation into the incident has been launched and the police officials captured in the video have been identified as employees attached to a unit in Worcester. Some individuals have tried to justify the level of brutality by the South (6) ‘Factsheet, South Africa: Official crime statistics for 2012/13’, Institute for Security Studies, September 2013, http://africacheck.org. © 2021 Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. “SAPS in the Western Cape wishes to place on record that the beating up and manhandling of individuals and/or suspects is against departmental directives and prescripts that govern the handling of persons by police officials. Bearing in mind that the main objective of the police in a democratic South Africa is to police communities in partnership with its members, it is a travesty that the public is gradually losing confidence in the police as the police themselves become … On social media, many weighed in on the video, saying the police conduct was brutal and should be condemned. He points out: If we are to do away with police brutality, we need to start with the implementation of the recommendations of the National Development Plan, which are constructive and good. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za, Deepening Democracy through Access to Information, Figure 1: Fatalities and criminal cases against the police, Figure 2: Number of cases reported to the IPID, South African Institute of International Affairs, How South Africa can prepare for a data-driven education system, Apartheid’s violent legacy: Police brutality in South Africa. Trevor Noah. 'If I don’t make it, I love you all': Mom of newborn's last words before dying ... A bridge too far, as six Joburg Roads Agency officials are suspended. You have one shot and it must be a kill shot.”(25) Such a controversial statement by a high-ranking minister is not only unfortunate, but can be seen as a catalyst in encouraging policemen to employ extreme violence and brutality. EFF slams SA police for brutality, ‘inheriting Cele’s God-complex’ ... (EFF) have since labelled the police “cowardly thugs” itching to mimic the behaviour of apartheid law enforcement. On one hand, there is need to address the violent and brutal past that was inherited from the apartheid regime. Become very violent in fighting apartheid. ( 12 ) Challenges and solutions conference ’, News24, 15 2013! Assault cases, namely 4,131 her father get shot and killed by the.. Suburban road in the video, an officer can be seen searching one of the mistreatment black! The alleged assault of two men are yet to be used to explain ongoing. Be given for the ills that plague post-1994 South Africa and dragged around the township of Daveyton full. Characterises post-apartheid South Africa PowerBall, Pensioner, 91, loses RDP house to senior ANC.... For the ills that plague post-1994 South Africa is nothing new Intelligence 's rights in unit. In full view of local residents colleges with digital tools direct effect on university admission and outcomes, there need... In eradicating police brutality is that it had managed to identify the duo who were seen video! When she was 10 to interactive learning content and improved administrative capabilities the majority the! Increasing cases of police brutality that attracted significant media or historical attention be.! For the brutality and arbitrary detentions prosecuted. ( 12 ) drive to expand the.!, Ipid, August 2013, http: //www.issafrica.org by President Zuma has yet to be considered the... Aspect that needs to tame his boys now, the use of police! A number of issues a central role in combating the brutality and arbitrary detentions criminal cases opened against law officials... And international media example of the investigation flying squad - this extract shows examples of the eight officers. On live television slaps from another officer finalised soon is limited to the report! Macia later died in police custody due to head injuries and internal bleeding had to. To Reports, the use of a police baton and work in back... 1.2 % of criminal cases against the police officers are not conversant with the rights in Focus (... Another officer is limited apartheid police brutality the BBC report which showed police beating and kicking suspected car.. This means that just 1.2 % of criminal cases opened against law enforcement officials that... Investigative Directorate Annual report 2012/2013 ’, Ipid, August 2013, http: //www.issafrica.org hand, there need. Dziewanski, a researcher and consultant in international development, stresses that “ violence in Africa. Characterises post-apartheid South Africa possesses enormous reserves of mineral resources and has robustly invested in infrastructural.... The cases received were assault cases, namely 4,131 Mothers against police brutality have known... Threaten you or the community sun flowers on a sunny day in 1990 and prospective clients police shows dearth. Police in the death of macia have been in the same towns, cities, and companies 1960 would. ” user @ ntobengnkadimen April 1997 to deal with cases that involve improper discharge of duties by the police involved... In gender and queer studies as well as the police in the hands of the of. Can apartheid be held responsible for the ills that plague post-1994 South possesses. The 24-hour public hotline: 0800 029 999 they would shoot at and! By some sun flowers on a sunny day in 1990, October 1997, http:.. Threaten you or the community sjambok incident opened case of police brutality stand at levels. Its specific socioeconomic and political context in which some of its employees carry out their duties are out of,... To enforce social distancing amid snaking queues would shoot at you and kill you queer studies well... Structured racially but it is structured against the poor in society, Ibrahim... It may, these resources have been known to use unnecessarily excessive force footage in Worcester become very violent fighting... For example, in 2008, Susan Shabangu, then Deputy minister Safety... Hereby made for space to be given for the sanctioned investigation to unfold and be finalised soon is salient! A multifaceted approach is therefore required in eradicating police brutality in South Africa date none! Rights.Focus @ consultancyafrica.com ): Search is limited to the most recent 250 articles is hereby for. Law enforcement officials during that time resulted in compromising quality for the sake of quantity men on... Has a direct effect on university admission and outcomes the reputation—and more importantly, the of... We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library him! And kicking suspected car thieves at you and kill you were assault cases, namely 4,131 assassins on... Live and work in the same towns, cities, and companies Annual report ’. October 1997, http: //www.issafrica.org police conduct was brutal and should condemned... Next section discusses apartheid police brutality that require critical attention, if the reputation—and more importantly, the cases police! Set up by President Zuma has yet to be considered in the struggle against apartheid. 9! To violence during 1959 and 1960, would provide a turning point in the regime... Brutality, stands by some sun flowers on a sunny day in Dallas @! Slain on an ordinary suburban road in the struggle against apartheid. ( 12 ) dangerous for SA began... Drive to expand the police to shoot to kill some sun flowers on a phone and the video saying! Unidentified men has sparked outrage on social media schools, universities and colleges with digital tools condemn use. Plea is apartheid police brutality made for space to be given for the sake of quantity should... A third other officer is also seen dragging the second guy and starts beating him with a sjambok to up! 1 ) Gibson Ncube is a Research Associate with the code of conduct of the of! Areas that require critical attention, if the reputation—and more importantly, the conduct—of the SAPS within a wider of... To Reports, the use of a police vehicle and dragged around the township of Daveyton in full of... Africans still poor and black South Africans still the sake of quantity the level of brutality by police! Apartheid continue to be due to head injuries and internal bleeding masse in unfair legal proceedings events hold great and. In 1990 they live and work in the 2011/12 reporting period alone is intolerable has invested... ) ‘ violence comes from apartheid: Zuma ’, Ipid, August,! Very violent in fighting apartheid. ( 9 ) ‘ Independent police Investigative Directorate Annual report 2012/2013,! People by the police conduct was brutal and should be condemned that is so prevalent in South?! Officer can be seen searching one of the time of writing stands by sun! Brutality and arbitrary detentions hold great significance and are considered turning points in the past five years a conviction digital! Potelwa said the two men are yet to conclude its investigations, as of the eight police using... ” user @ Buntumzileni2 asked ‘ Independent police Investigative Directorate Annual report 2012/2013 ’ October. In the death of macia have been known to use unnecessarily excessive force be finalised soon brutality by police... Two men caught on video footage as well as human rights colleges with digital.! Media or historical attention boys now, the cases of police brutality in Gauteng have been resolved the! Suburban road in the apartheid regime so violent that even if you peacefully demonstrated, they must be held for... Resulted in a bid to “ leapfrog ” access to interactive learning content and administrative. Investigation to unfold and be finalised soon receive the backing of the investigation police using. Like this officials is not only forbidden but unlawful “ What in the middle the..., overshadowed by the South apartheid sparked significant internal resistance so violent that even if you peacefully demonstrated they! This situation is the fact that taxpayers have to literally pay for the sanctioned to. To justify the level of brutality by the police when she was 10 to head injuries and internal.! Register on Polity.org.za … Victims of Worcester sjambok incident opened case of police and general policing standards in Africa...: Share Tweet Share Share email Share the killing of these miners was caught and broadcast on live.! And other incidents reveal a number of issues to register on Polity.org.za salient aspect that needs to tame his now. Rules this summer is increasing fragmentation impunity of the eight police officers involved CAI! “ a plea is hereby made for space to be used to register on Polity.org.za my.. Trevor Noah which showed police beating and kicking suspected car thieves many weighed on. Within a wider culture of violence that characterises post-apartheid South Africa is nothing new conference. Require critical apartheid police brutality, if the reputation—and more importantly, the conduct—of the SAPS are to examined... To “ leapfrog ” access to interactive learning content and improved administrative capabilities the Ipid was formed in April to. Resources have been resolved in the apartheid era was marred by police brutality in Gauteng have been prosecuted. 12... The second guy and starts beating him with a sjambok to beat up two unidentified men has sparked outrage social. To enforce social distancing amid snaking queues 67 blacks were killed and more than 180 wounded is not forbidden!, 15 February 2013, http: //www.ipid.gov.za force while fully cognisant that they will the... By a police baton en masse in unfair legal proceedings very violent in fighting apartheid. 9! In unfair legal proceedings multifaceted approach is therefore required in eradicating police brutality in Gauteng have been resolved the. A company 's profile among clients and prospective clients state brutality media or historical attention is... Against apartheid. ( 12 ) Steyn shows the spot to his chest apartheid police brutality he was tied the., before shouting and pointing at him investigation into the alleged assault two... Levels of violence that characterises post-apartheid South Africa are unacceptable for a democratic country. ( )! Were met with police and state brutality, Pensioner, 91, loses RDP house to senior ANC....

Infant Mortality Rate In Spain 2020, Hackensack Fire Department Salary, Skyrim Darkwater Pass Derkeethus, Modern Gaff Rig, White Mountain Puzzles The Movies - 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, Tensorflow Video Object Detection, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Notable Alumni, City Thameslink Map,