Mobility
Question by:
Hon Melikhaya Xego
Answered by:
Hon Daylin Mitchell
Question Number:
8
Question Body:
With regard to the correspondence sent to his office on 6 October 2022 on the issue of a member of the public who was assaulted and detained for no reason by Western Cape provincial traffic officers:
- Whether this letter was bought to his attention; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether any action was taken against the traffic officers for the unlawful arrest; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether a report on the matter was produced; if not, why not; if so, can a copy of it be made available;
- what procedure is in place in his office to ensure that staff members bring complaints received to his attention?
Answer Body:
- The correspondence dated the 6 October 2022 was received, and a response was provided to Mr. Xego on 11 November 2022.
- When such a complaint is received, an internal investigation is conducted to determine its merits. This is done by sourcing and evaluating the available evidence, including sources such as in-vehicle camera footage. The internal investigation found no grounds to support the allegations contained in the complaint, and therefore no action was taken against the officers involved, who were found to have acted in line with their powers and duties.
- A report was compiled, and the outcome of the internal investigation was
communicated to the complainant by the Regional Director on 15 June 2022.
The complete file and video material of the internal investigation have been handed over to the Directorate of Employee Relations (Corporate Services Centre) to independently evaluate the content to determine if the recommendations of the internal investigation were produced objectively. Pending finalisation of that evaluation, the complainant can apply in terms of The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 for access to the information.
- Internal departmental procedures are in place to acknowledge receipt of any complaints. Complaints are procedurally dealt with by respective line managers, who are required to objectively assess and investigate the matter and communicate the outcome, or further steps to be taken, to the complainant. If further action needs to be taken against an official, then disciplinary procedures will be instituted.
Date:
Friday, November 11, 2022
