SAHRC hosts workshop on Law Enforcement and Police Brutality

Friday, 08 July 2011

The Commission held a successful workshop on Law Enforcement and Police Brutality from 06 – 07 July 2011 at its head office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The two-day event ended on a high note where stakeholders from across the Criminal Justice System committed themselves to an ongoing process of improving the advancement of human rights and policing.

The commitment came as a result of evaluating the status of human rights and policing in the country where stakeholders agreed that an urgent in-depth assessment is required to improve the state of policing.

Some of the challenges identified include; improving the police management, clarity on the use of force, the police facing the brunt at service delivery protests and not local government, the high levels of anger in society, fostering a civic culture that can support good cops, a closer working relationship amongst criminal justice stakeholders.

Stakeholders agreed that there are a wide range of police officers who are dedicated and need to be commended for their excellent work.

As a result it was quite clear that issues dealt with can never lead to quick fixes and long-term incisive solutions will have to be explored on a continuous basis. In this way South African society will see the substantial decrease in police brutality, the excessive use of force and killings of police officers.

There are just no other alternatives both for the South African Police Service and the community but to promote and respect our hard-fought fundamental human rights.

A follow-up Seminar on progress achieved will be conducted within the next four months.
Ends