Popcru want Ian Cameron’s head over Mashatile VIP protection officers criticism

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has demanded the removal of Parliament’s police portfolio committee chair Ian Cameron over his criticism of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s VIP protection officers.

Cameron this week shared his outrage at the South African Police Service’s (Saps’) decision to clear eight members of Mashatile’s security team of charges during an internal disciplinary process. The eight are still facing legal proceedings in court.

He said that not disciplining the eight for an assault on civilians on the N1 highway in July 2023 was “not only a miscarriage of justice but also puts the name and image of the Saps into disrepute”.

Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya hit back, saying Cameron’s comments represents a gross misuse of his parliamentary oversight role and undermines the justice system.

“The union is deeply concerned that his politically biased statements endanger both the integrity of parliamentary oversight and the safety of police officers who already face immense pressure in their line of duty.”

Ngwenya said the union would approach Parliament’s joint committee on ethics and members’ interests to urgently investigate Ian Cameron’s conduct and pushed for his removal.

Obstructing justice and defending police brutality?

Ngwenya also denied claims it had blocked legal proceedings and defended police brutality.

“These are not only baseless and defamatory but represent a deliberate attempt to delegitimise the role of organised labour in defending the rights of its members.”.

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Ngwenya said Popcru had never and would never condone any form of police abuse.

“We consistently advocate for accountability, constitutional policing, and community safety rooted in human rights.

“However, we equally reject trial by media, political opportunism and the scapegoating of officers before facts are established.

“Cameron’s behaviour is reckless and unethical, especially as these officers have been cleared of wrong wrongdoing through due process.

“Who is he to undermine proper labour processes, or question the findings of the courts? His statements are deeply disturbing and we will not stand quietly by and allow his behaviour to go unchecked.”

University of Limpopo’s professor Witness Maluleke told The Citizen the police’s decision to clear the officers would divide the nation and may further erode trust in the service.

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