AfriForum lodges IPID complaint against police constable after alleged neglect of duty in Oudtshoorn incident
AfriForum today lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) against a constable of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from the Oudtshoorn Police Station. The charge follows in response to the police member’s alleged neglect of duty during a public disturbance that broke out in Oudtshoorn last Friday (13 February).
During the incident, a group of violent teenagers allegedly clashed with members of the public. The teenagers were allegedly armed with knives. It appears that the local police were aware of the unfolding events but were slow to react despite the seriousness of the incident.
However, AfriForum’s complaint specifically relates to the conduct of a constable who allegedly drove past the scene at the time of the incident without intervening.
According to Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s Chief Spokesperson for Community Safety, the constable allegedly did not stop to assess and stabilise the situation. He also did not identify himself as a police officer or request police backup but instead recorded a video of the incident and shared it on social media – a step that escalated the tension in the town even further.
AfriForum is now requesting IPID to investigate the police officer’s conduct to determine whether it amounted to dereliction of duty.
“Police officers have a legal and ethical responsibility to act in such situations. When a volatile situation unfolds, the public expects decisive action, not mere passive observation,” explains Broodryk. “If the allegations are found to be true, the conduct represents a serious breach of public trust in SAPS. It cannot be allowed that those charged with maintaining law and order blatantly neglect their duty.”
AfriForum emphasises that this complaint is not an attack on SAPS as an institution, but rather a call for accountability. The organisation maintains that professional, responsive policing is essential. This will prevent an unnecessary escalation of unrest and instil confidence in law enforcement.
The civil rights organisation will monitor the IPID investigation closely and calls for its handling in a transparent and impartial manner.
