Viewfinder

Viewfinder is a new accountability journalism project, incubated in GroundUp but intending to become its own independent publication in time. Viewfinder does long term investigations into abuses of power which impact on the public interest – specifically as it relates to the need for equality and redress – in post-apartheid South African society.

Viewfinder's first exposé, launched in October 2019, shows how IPID, the police watchdog, has failed to properly investigate serious complaints against the police, including rape and assault. Yet IPID has manipulated statistics to give the impression that has investigated these allegations.

Check out the Viewfinder website.

Child abuse: has the early warning system broken down?

Children are dying because of failure to identify abuse, overworked social workers and too much red tape

By

Feature | 2 June 2022

Slap on the wrist for police commander who ignored torture allegations

SAPS failing to enforce discipline in its ranks

By

News | 6 April 2022

SAPS probes notorious cop and his former boss in test case for police accountability

From Athlone to Lambert’s Bay Giovanni Gabriels is accused of leaving a trail of out-of-control violence

By

Feature | 31 January 2022

Did SAPS enable a brutal murder by leaving this problem cop unpunished?

SAPS is failing to act against brutal cops

Daneel Knoetze for Viewfinder

Feature | 1 December 2021

Are SAPS commanders ignoring instructions to discipline brutal cops?

Upington death in custody raises questions

By

Feature | 9 November 2021

Massive database of killings by police made public

Viewfinder analyses 47,000 cases of police brutality, and the results are horrifying

By

News | 20 October 2021

Police deal with watchdog will protect violent cops

The agreement would make policy what is already happening in practice

By

News | 1 September 2021

Police use of deadly force must be curbed, says new expert report

Report says ratio of civilians killed by police to police killed on duty in South Africa, about 13 to one, is a cause for concern

By

Analysis | 26 August 2021

Tapes reveal secret workings of police disciplinary hearings for murder and brutality cases

Police officer found not guilty of the killing of 15-year-old Damian Ahrendse

By

Feature | 17 August 2021