Volume: Volume 17 - 2013

Article type: Refereed article

Author/s: Vawda, Yousuf A and Mtshali, Mangaliso

This article examines whether the recently established Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has the potential to be an effective oversight mechanism to ensure accountability in respect of SAPS. Recent events have again turned the public spotlight on the conduct of police officers in the execution of their duties. The public display of violence and brutality against a Mozambican taxi driver, Mido Marcia, by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Daveyton, exposed the brazen abuse of power by some elements within SAPS. In this context, it can be asked whether the institutions established in terms of legislation are capable of executing the task of investigating police misconduct. This article examines whether the recently established Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has the potential to be an effective oversight mechanism to ensure accountability in respect of SAPS. It examines, in particular, the IPID's mandate to investigate corruption matters within SAPS, and whether -in its current form and capacity it is effectively fulfilling its mandate. It is concluded that while much progress has been made since the time of the largely ineffectual Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD), the predecessor of IPID, there remain significant risks to the efficient, effective and independent execution of IPID's mandate.

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