Question NW2122 to the Minister of Police

Reply:

(1)(a)(b) The mandate of the South African Police Service (SAPS), as set out in Section 205(3) of the Constitution of Republic of South Africa, 1996, is to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property and to uphold and enforce the law. It is, therefore, important to note that the mandate of the SAPS is not only to protect the lives and property of persons, but to upload and enforce the law, including the rights of landowners.

The SAPS has taken not of the recent judgement, which was delivered in the Western Cape (Cape Town) High Court, in the matter of the South African Human Rights Commission v The City of Cape Town, for the police to protect and respect the rights of victims and enforce the law. In view of the judgment, the SAPS reaffirms its commitment to respect the fundamental rights of every person and reaffirms its responsibility to execute its constitutional mandate, including the responsibility to uphold and enforce the law.

(2)(i)(ii)

There is no specific capacity assigned to land invasions and destruction of property POP members are deployed, where and when required

Reply to question 2122 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE
Date: