Residents encouraged to report police misconduct
Over the past three months, the JMPD Internal Affairs Department has received 32 complaints resulting in eight JMPD officers being dismissed.
THE City of Johannesburg’s Department of Public Safety encourages residents to report any unprofessional, untoward or unlawful conduct of any member of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to the JMPD Internal Affairs Department.
MMC for Public Safety Councillor Michael Sun said they are building a professional metro police department in the City of Johannesburg and this is a continuous process. One of the major projects they have initiated is to root out corruption within the JMPD.
Over the past three months, the JMPD Internal Affairs Department has received 32 complaints resulting in eight JMPD officers being dismissed.
“Through these interventions, we are determined to improve the JMPD to be the very best metro police service on the continent. I would like to encourage our residents to assist in improving the JMPD by reporting any misconduct by Joburg Metro police officers,” he said.
Residents can follow these steps when reporting Joburg Metro police:
• Call JMPD Anti-fraud and Corruption Hotline 080 020 3712 and lodge a complaint with relevant description, date, time and location of the incident.
• The complainant may be required to submit a written statement/affidavit and supporting documents, photos, recordings and any other evidence that may assist in the investigations.
• Once a case has been opened, the complainant will be provided with a case number and the assigned investigating officer will commence with investigation and keep the complainant informed of the progress of the investigation.
• Depending on the nature and seriousness of the case, a separate criminal case maybe be opened with the SAPS.
• The complainants would be required to follow the legal process and make themselves available to assist with investigations and the court process.
• The complainant will remain anonymous during JMPD’s process.
Residents are further encouraged to lodge complaints according to this process. If a complaint is not reported, it will not be recorded or investigated.
“We have noted that members of the public often misidentify police officers belonging to other metropolitan or police departments as members of the JMPD. This could have the result of inaccurate reporting or misguided investigations by JMPD Internal Affairs.
“It is important to lodge a proper case so that successful investigation and prosecution can take place. It is a priority of this multi-party administration to continue to deliver the change it has promised. This is being realised by our efforts to ensure we offer a professional civil service to the residents of Johannesburg,” said Sun.
