Crime
Months in prison without a bail hearing
If you are arrested in South Africa, even if you are innocent, expect to spend months and maybe years in prison before being released. The law says that if you are arrested you should appear before a court within 48 hours or be released. The courts have also ruled that bail hearings are urgent. Yet the police, prosecutors, magistrates and judges often ignore these rights.
Mary-Jane Matsolo
News | 28 November 2012
The Commission of Inquiry into the Khayelitsha Police
The Commission of Inquiry into the allegations of police inefficiency in Khayelitsha is on hold pending the outcome of Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa's court action to stop the commission. But in his court papers Mthethwa has, perhaps unwittingly, included explosive documents which actually appear to strengthen the case for having a Commission of Inquiry.
GroundUp Editor
News | 14 November 2012
“People’s Commission” testimony exposes police failures
In December 2009 Thandokazi Njamela was smacked on the head with an unopened beer bottle by her friend's boyfriend. She lost consciousness and was taken to Khayelitsha's Site B Hospital.
GroundUp Staff
News | 14 November 2012
Understanding the two Commissions of Inquiry into the police
There are two Commissions of Inquiry underway in South Africa (SA) that involve the SA Police Service (SAPS), the Police Minister and Police Commissioner, that we should be interrogating, examining, monitoring, overseeing and following with equal vigour.
Fatima Hassan
Opinion | 14 November 2012
Turning our backs on girl learners
Last week, it was reported with a sense of accomplishment that 38 teachers have been struck off the roll since 2010 for sexual abuse of their learners. I am a lawyer currently working on six cases of sexual violence in schools in three provinces.
Nikki Stein
Opinion | 14 November 2012
Showdown over police inquiry
On 22 August, in response to a call made in November 2011 from several social justice organisations, Premier Helen Zille established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged police inefficiency and a breakdown in relations between police and communities in Khayelitsha. The commission is being chaired by former Constitutional Court judge, Kate O'Regan and Advocate Vusi Pikoli.
Tessa Gooding
News | 7 November 2012
Is there really an investigation into police officer Andile Mtshiceka?
Months before Social Justice Coalition member Angy Peter was arrested for her alleged role in a vigilante murder, she had lodged a complaint of corruption against police officer Andile Mtshiceka.
Mary-Jane Matsolo and Nathan Geffen
News | 7 November 2012
Threats against Somali businesses must not be tolerated
Our lead story today is that local business organisations are mobilising against Somali shops in Khayelitsha.
GroundUp Editor
News | 7 November 2012
Zimbabwean lays complaint with police against Home Affairs official
A 25 years old asylum seeker lodged a complaint of bribery with the police against a Cape Town Foreshore Home Affairs official last week.
Tariro Washinyira
News | 24 October 2012