Police commissioner responds to R2 billion payout for unlawful arrests

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The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has clarified the 4000 alleged unlawful arrests and R2 billion payout by police in the 2023/2024 financial year. 

It is alleged that wrongful arrest have resulted in financial expenses surpassing R2 billion for the fiscal year.

Police minister Senzo Mchunu announced in response to a written parliamentary question from Rise Mzansi.

The minister acknowledged that the current situation is unacceptable and need immediate intervention.

According to the commissioner, 4100 are only claims lodged by those who were arrested and that the SAPS legal division is interrogating the merits of each case and that the department has not yet paid these litigants. 

He highlighted that each case is treated according to its merits, which will determine if the police service needs to settle or defend the matter further.

“It is important to note that not all claims received are paid out according to the initial litigation. Based on the nature of the police work, SAPS is constitutionally mandated to effect arrests and detention and it doesn’t necessarily mean that these arrests are wrongful and unlawful,” he expressed. 

Masemola added that the SAPS has implemented a project to ensure the down management of civil claims.

He continued; “The inspectorate, visible policing and operations as well as detectives divisions are continuously embarking on compliance inspections at police stations and all service points where awareness and training on how to prevent and reduce civil claims are conducted. 

“The SAPS has implemented a number of measures to ensure that compliance to arrest and detention directives are followed.

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“There are also policies in place to down manage civil claims in the organization, the SAPS remains  committed to good governance, ethical behaviour and consequence management within its ranks.” 

Masemola stated that possible corruption and collusion is also being investigated.