Pretoria - The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, says he cannot make a unilateral decision on the appointment vacancies in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Reacting to media reports on the vacancy rate within the IPID, Mthethwa said the process still has to go to Cabinet for concurrence and final approval.
He assured the public that pending the filling of all vacancies at IPID, the institution continued to be effective and that its primary role of ‘policing the police’ has not been compromised.
The IPID Act which the ministry put to Parliament which resulted in IPID shifting its focus from Independent Complaints Directorate to IPD, sought to strengthen its oversight capacity and ensure that the rule of law is observed even by police.
He acknowledged that for the IPID to be able to achieve this goal, it needs to have capacity.
“However in recognition of this important structure, we are cautious not to fill the vacancies wily-nilly or to meet a deadline, without prior analysis including conducting the necessary competency tests, checks and balances.
“We need credible and well-trained investigators who can help us secure convictions against those who shame our badge and uniform through criminal acts,” Mthethwa said in statement.
Part of the delay, he said, with regards to the Head of IPID -- which was advertised publicly in July -- is that potential candidates were interviewed however no suitable candidate was found. There was a second round of interviews that took place last week in Pretoria.
Once a suitable candidate is found, Mthethwa said Cabinet will still need to deliberate on the appointment of the candidate.
“We recognize the importance of a permanent head of IPID as well as the provincial heads,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
