Latest news with #Popcru
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- The Citizen
Alleged rape at Saps Academy
The union has called on Saps to conduct a "full, transparent, and independent investigation". Public Order Police members at the police training academy in Tshwane. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu The police and prisons civil rights union (Popcru) has voiced its outrage over the alleged sexual assault of a female trainee at the South African Police Service (Saps) training academy in Tshwane. According to the union, the trainer at the academy was arrested and removed from his post. This followed the disturbing allegation of rape. The union expressed deep concern in a statement on Thursday, describing this as a 'serious betrayal of trust.' 'Popcru unequivocally condemns any form of Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse (GBVC), especially when perpetrated by those entrusted with the training and development of future law enforcement officers.' Calls for immediate action Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned the incident. The union has called on Saps to conduct a 'full, transparent, and independent investigation' into the matter. Popcru has urged the divisional commissioner of Saps training to ensure accountability and appropriate action. 'We also want to make it categorically clear that this criminal act, while deeply disturbing, should not paint all Saps trainers with the same brush,' it said. Furthermore, Popcru emphasised that while this incident is deeply disturbing, it should not tarnish the reputation of all saps trainers. Popcru urged the public not to let the actions of one individual overshadow the efforts of the entire training institution 'There are countless committed, disciplined trainers across the country who continue to serve with integrity,' Popcru clarified. ALSO READ: Inquest opened after body of missing Fleurhof boy, 11, discovered Support and reform demands The union has also called for immediate support for the affected trainee through the Saps Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHW). This includes access to psychosocial counselling and trauma support. Popcru further recommended enhanced screening and vetting processes for all personnel at the academy. The union also urged stronger gender sensitivity and ethics training across Saps training facilities. Finally, Popcru stressed the need for greater public transparency in the investigation's outcome. This is to restore public and internal confidence in the Saps. 'Popcru remains committed to building a professional, ethical, and accountable policing environment, free from abuse, harassment, and intimidation,' it concluded. NOW READ: Fake court documents scandal rocks Pretoria High Court
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Popcru want Ian Cameron's head over Mashatile VIP protection officers' criticism
Popcru has called for Cameron's head over his comments about Mashatile's VIP protection. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has demanded the removal of Parliament's police portfolio committee chair Ian Cameron over his criticism of Deputy President Paul Mashatile's VIP protection officers. Cameron this week shared his outrage at the South African Police Service (Saps)'s decision to clear eight members of Mashatile's security team of charges during an internal disciplinary process. The eight are still facing legal proceedings in court. He said that not disciplining the eight for an assault on civilians on the N1 highway in July 2023 was 'not only a miscarriage of justice but also puts the name and image of the Saps [South African Police Service]into disrepute'. Popcru President Thulani Ngwenya hit back, saying Cameron's comments represent a gross misuse of his parliamentary oversight role and undermine the justice system. 'The union is deeply concerned that his politically biased statements endanger both the integrity of parliamentary oversight and the safety of police officers who already face immense pressure in their line of duty.' Ngwenya said the union would approach Parliament's Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests to urgently investigate Ian Cameron's conduct, and pushed for his removal. Obstructing justice and defending police brutality? Ngwenya also denied claims it had blocked legal proceedings and defended police brutality. 'These are not only baseless and defamatory but represent a deliberate attempt to delegitimise the role of organised labour in defending the rights of its members.'. ALSO READ: 'Acquittal' of Mashatile's VIP officers a 'miscarriage of justice' Ngwenya said Popcru has never, and will never, condone any form of police abuse. 'We consistently advocate for accountability, constitutional policing, and community safety rooted in human rights. 'However, we equally reject trial by media, political opportunism, and the scapegoating of officers before facts are established. 'Cameron's behaviour is reckless and unethical, especially as these officers have been cleared wrong wrongdoing through due process. 'Who is he to undermine proper labour processes, or question the findings of the courts? His statements are deeply disturbing, and we will not stand quietly by and allow his behaviour to go unchecked.' University of Limpopo's Professor Witness Maluleke told The Citizen the police's decision to clear the officers would divide the nation and may further erode trust in the service. NOW READ: 'They abused their powers'- Mashatile's VIP protectors granted R10K bail
