Amnesty International calls for judicial inquiry into police to be backed by immediate action

CAPE TOWN - Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, says a judicial inquiry into the police must be backed by immediate action against those identified of wrongdoing. 

The organisation said President Cyril Ramaphosa has the opportunity and the power to tackle corruption within the state quickly and decisively, and failure to do so impacts the rights of citizens. 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been placed on special leave, while the commission, to be headed by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, probes the allegations, including Mchunu's alleged links with criminal networks who’ve infiltrated the police service.

READ: SAPS commission shouldn't be burdened by previous commissions of inquiry - Presidency

Amnesty International national executive director, Shenilla Mohamed, says this can not be another inquiry that does not lead to justice or accountability.  

"People in South Africa are tired of costly commissions that are long drawn out and lead to no accountability. The mere fact that another commission is being established is an indictment of our justice system and state institutions. We need to see concrete and enforceable action to fight crime and not more processes that delay justice."

Mohamed says her organisation has noted a decline in the police’s ability to resolve murders, respond to, and investigate crimes. 

"While the commission of inquiry is underway, the President must ensure the proper management of law enforcement agencies and ensure that crime does not worsen over this period."