Legal costs of negligent officers irk police minister

The New Age reports that Mthethwa promised that "Command and control, upholding constitutional principles and respect of human rights by police officers must and will be intensified at all police stations." He is also quoted as saying: "Instead of paying legal costs, this money could have been better utilised in other crucial SAPS programmes, including building new police stations in previously neglected areas [...] There have been unfortunate deaths, wrongful arrests, torture and other negative actions we have had to process and investigate.

"To this end we are strengthening the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) to give effect to investigation of abuse by police officers in the course of their duty."

For more:

• The New Age: Mthetwa concerned about the legal costs of negligent officers