The Western Cape Police Ombudsman’s (WCPO) report into matters the office were investigating, indicate that between April and December 2023 it had finalised 265 (86,32%) of the 307 cases before it. There are currently 30 cases that are being investigated, eight still needing to be allocated and four to be finalised.
The Western Cape is the only province with a dedicated Police Ombudsman, that was created by the Western Cape Community Safety Act of 2013. The WCPO seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police services and to improve relations between the police and communities by investigating complaints of police inefficiency and/or a breakdown of relations between the police and any community.
During quarter 2, July to September 2023, 25 poor-investigation reports were received. These originated from various police stations, including Athlone, Bishop Lavis, Bothasig, Darling, Delft, Hout Bay, Khayelitsha, Lansdowne, Lentegeur, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Paarl East, Philippi, Provincial Head Office, Riviersonderend, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Table View, Uniondale, and Wynberg FCS.
For quarter 3, October to December 2023, 21 poor-investigation complaints were received. They were reported for Saps stations in Belhar, Bishop Lavis, Clanwilliam, Da Gamaskop, Hout Bay, Kensington, Kleinvlei, Knysna, Lingelethu West, Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Muizenberg, Pacaltsdorp, Philippi, Piketberg, Pinelands, Robertson, Saldanha, and Table View.
The nature of other complaints, consists, among others, of poor communication, poor response and unacceptable behaviour.
Reagen Allen, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, said: “The Ombudsman’s office plays an important role in holding Saps accountable, so that they can deliver an effective and professional service to the residents of the province.
“To achieve such a high completion rate is admirable, and no less than what residents deserve. I urge the office to ensure that the outstanding matters are swiftly dealt with.
“I also encourage our communities to make use of the services offered by the ombudsman.”
“The WCPO’s office is a layer that we use in to achieve improved policing practices.
“As the government, we will continue to support the Police Ombudsman’s office, so that they are better placed to conduct their work impartially and independently,” concluded Minister Allen.
The WCPO’s office can be reached Monday to Friday between 07:00 to 16:00 on 021 483 0669, ombudsman@wcpo.gov.za or westerncape.gov.za/police-ombudsman/
