Motorists may record TMPD interaction
Tshwane MMC for Community Safety, Grandi Theunissen told Rekord that these rights are not new.
Members of the public have the right to record Tshwane metro police (TMPD) officers, take pictures of their vehicles, and request identification and appointment certificates.
This is according to a directive issued to TMPD following a high number of complaints of extortion and corruption by officers.
Since June last year, about 30 TMPD members have been arrested and are at various stages of court proceedings.
The directive was issued by acting TMPD chief Basil Nkhwashu.
“The public has the right and is encouraged to request appointment certificates from an officer.
“The public may also either take photos of the officer and his/her vehicle and/or record the occurrence in the endeavour to curb this alleged unlawful act.”
RIGHTS TO FILM IS NOTHING NEW
Tshwane MMC for community safety, Grandi Theunissen told Rekord that these rights are not new.
“That has always been the right of the public, but they are so intimidated that they are scared to ask these questions.”
Theunissen issued a statement following the release of the directive by Nkhwashu offering the full support of his office.
He welcomed the initiative by the chief of police.
He told Rekord that approximately 30 metro police officers have been arrested for cases as far back as June 2022, with many more investigated.
“Sometimes there were no charges laid so we couldn’t follow through.”
Theunissen said that not much attention was previously given to complaints, but when he took office he made addressing them a priority.
He originally tried to address them from within the TMPD, but his attempts fell on deaf ears, prompting the more aggressive approach.
Investigations into complaints have begun, with the assistance of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
“It’s important because it is one way of warning the officers that if you continue with this practice, you will be facing the consequences.”
While residents have the right to record the officers and ask for identification, the MMC wanted to remind the public to be respectful.
Members of the public should remain calm, act responsibly and avoid confrontations, but remain firm on their rights.
THEUNISSEN SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE THAT:
It is your right to ask for the calibration certificate for testing devices before you blow.
It is your right to refuse the field test and request a blood test instead.
It is your right to ask for identification.
It is your right to record the interaction and take pictures.
IF YOU ARE EVER THE VICTIM OF EXTORTION OR CORRUPTION BY TMPD OFFICIALS,
THE MMC PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:
– Open a criminal case at your nearest police station.
– Report the matter to the TMPD integrity unit for an internal investigation on 083 657 2998
Alternatively call 012 358 7095 or 083 437 7987 or 081 507 5052
– Report the matter to Ipid via complaints.gauteng@ipid.gov.za
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