The effectiveness of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate in investigating Section 28 (1)(B) death as a result of police action and Section 28 (1)(G) police corruption in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Abstract

Background: South Africa’s transition to a democracy brought with it a holistic accountability system geared towards aligning the South African Police with democratic principles. This study focuses on one component of this accountability system, the Independent Police Investigative Directive (IPID) which is responsible for the police misconduct and in ensuring accountability from the crimes committed by the police officers in SA. The aim of this study is to examine whether the IPID is an effective oversight mechanism in terms of ensuring accountability on the part of the South African Police Services (SAPS). It examines, in particular, the IPID’s mandate to investigate corruption matters and deaths that result from police action within the SAPS, and to determine whether, in its current form and capacity, it is effectively fulfilling its mandate. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from ten (n=10) IPID investigating officers who are responsible for the investigation of Section 28 (b) and (g) of the IPID mandate in KwaZulu-Natal. The sample was obtained using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and recorded with a voice recorder. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that the willingness of the public to offer bribes to the police officers results in low conviction rates. It was also revealed that greediness plays a major role in contributing to police corruption. The killings of suspects and innocent bystanders was also viewed as a major problem in the KZN province. The participant’s revealed that the killings of police officers during their execution of their duties is the main factor that contributes to the killings of people. The study also discovered that various challenges, such as a lack of evidence from complainants, a lack of police cooperation, a lack of complainants' cooperation in the investigation, and a lack of resources and manpower within the IPID, contribute to the low conviction rates of police corruption and death as a result of police action. As a consequence of the data, it appears that police corruption and death as a result of police action investigation tactics are inefficient owing to investigative challenges. Keywords: Police officer, South African Police Service, Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Accountability, Conviction, Police Corruption, Death as a result of police action, Complainant, Suspect