The meeting with Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi follows a similar discussion with Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Tommy Mthombeni and his Senior Management team on 04 December 2024. The Commission began the meeting by proposing a moment of silence in honour of SAPS members who recently lost their lives in the line of duty.

During the meeting the Commission and the SAPS deliberated on the SAPS’ investigations around foodborne illnesses; the implementation of recommendations made to the SAPS by the SAHRC in its July 2021 Unrest Report; the SAPS’s forensic backlog; the use of deadly force by SAPS against suspects; the SAPS’ investigations surrounding Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement (AbM), and potential areas of collaboration between the Commission and the Police in KZN.

Concerning foodborne illnesses, the SAPS informed the Commission that they are monitoring the situation and conducting weekly multi-departmental meetings to report on joint inspections. In relation to the July 2021 Unrest Report, the SAPS confirmed that there were approximately 200 reported cases arising from the July 2021 Unrest concerning various charges ranging from murder to malicious damage to property. Furthermore, the SAPS updated the Commission on the number of cases being investigated, the number of arrested suspects, cases before the courts, convictions and sentencing. Regarding the forensic backlog, the SAPS acknowledged facing various challenges, including infrastructure, human resources, and financial constraints. However, the backlog is decreasing at a rate of approximately 30% each year.

On the issue of the use of deadly force against suspects, the SAPS assured the Commission that they comply with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act and stated that they are not aware of any pending investigations against their members. Regarding the investigations into the AbM, the SAPS confirmed that a Task Team has been established to investigate the alleged political killings, and these investigations are ongoing. The Commission and the SAPS to work together on several campaigns focusing on rights-and-responsibilities campaigns.

END