LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
Police committee backs independence of Ipid head
Parliament is moving to change the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) Act to curb the powers of the police minister to suspend or remove the head of the police watchdog. In 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled that the police minister had no authority to dismiss the Ipid head without Parliament instituting the necessary processes. This was after former police minister Nathi Nhleko moved to suspend Ipid executive director Robert McBride. McBride returned to the helm of Ipid in 2016, after a bitter turf war with Nhleko and former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. The Constitutional Court said in its ruling that Ipid was an independent body established in terms of the Constitution. It noted that section 4(1) of the Ipid act required it to function independently of the South African Police Service (SAPS). "Given the nature, scope and importance of the role played by police in preventing, combating and investigating crime, Ipid’s oversight role is of...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.