South African Police Service Act 68 of 1195
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE
STAATSKOERANT
VAN DIE REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA
Registered at the Post Office as a Newspaper As 'n Nw~sblad by die Poskantoor Geregistreer
VoL. 364 CAPE TOWN, 4 OCTOBER 1995 ·
. KAAPSTAD, 4 OKTOBER 1995 No. 16731
OFFICE OF TilE PRESIDENT KANTOOR VAN DIE PRESIDENT
· No. 1527. · 4 October 1995 No. 1527. 4 Oktober 1995
It is hereby notified that the President has assented to the following Act which is hereby published for general infor- mation:-
No. 68 of 1995: South African Police Service Act, 1995. ·
: Hierby. word bekend gemaak . dat . die President sy goed- keuring geheg het aan die onderstaande Wet wat hierby ter algemene inligting gepubliseer word:-
No. 68 van 1995: Wet op die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens, 1995.
Please note that most Acts are published in English and another South African official language. Currently we only have capacity to publish the English versions. This means that this document will only contain even numbered pages as the other language is printed on uneven numbered pages.
2 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCfOBER 1995 . , • .. . ,
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995 . . . . - . .... J •
~ ·- ' ' - ·.- '"'' _...__.,I
··ACT ·.-; i I_·
l L "I- ?''CI . r -v v\. \ To provide for the establishment, organisation, regulation and control of the South
, . . · African Police Sei-vice; and to provide for matters in connection therewith; .. ·
\:~-~-.:_;~__:_-. -- ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
•-tt , ...
Subject Section
CHAPTER I
INTERPRETATION Definitions ... : ........................................................................................................... ..
CHAPTER2
:MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Secretariat.................................................................................................................. 2 Functions of Secretariat............................................................................................ 3 Executive Co;ordinating Committee ..................... ,................................................... 4
CHAPTER3
ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION OF SERVICE
Establishment and Composition of Service.............................................................. 5
CHAPTER4
COMMISSIONERS
Appointment of National and Provincial Commissioners........................................ 6 Tenns of Office of National and Provincial Commissioners ..................... ·............... 7 Loss of Confidence in National or Provincial Commissioner.................................. 8 Misconduct by or Incapacity of National or Provincial Commissioner................... 9 Board of Commissioners ......................................................................................... I 0
CHAPTERS
POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
National Commissioner ............................................... ·.............................................. II Provincial Commissioners........................................................................................ 12 Members ..................................... : .................................. :.:......................................... 13 Employment of Service in Preservation of Life, Health or Property....................... 14 Delegation................................................................................................................. 15 .·
CHAPTER6
ORGANISED CRIME AND PUBLIC ORDER POLICING UNIT
·' National Prevention and Investigation of Crime .......................... : ............... : .... .".' .. : .. ··. 16 National Public Order Policing Unit ........................ : ...... :.::: .. ; .......................... c ..... .' ··]7•·
CHAPTER?
COMMUNITY POLICE FORUMS AND BOARDS
Objects of Community Police Forums and Boards.................................................. 18
4 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 • SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
Subject Section
Establishment of Community Police Forums ..................... :.................................... 19 Establishment of Area Community Police Boards .................................... ;.............. 20 Establishment of Provincial Community Police Boards.......................................... 21 Functions of Community Police Forums and Boards .............................................. 22 Procedural Matters .................................... : .. ;............................................................ 23
CHAPTERS
REGULATIONS
Regulations ........................................................ ·........................................................ 24 National Orders and Instructions.............................................................................. 25 Provincial Orders and Instructions ........................................................................... 26
CHAPTER9•
APPOINTMENTS, TERMS AND CONDffiONS OF SERVICE AND TERMINATION OF SERVICE
Filling of Posts ............................................................................................ ~............. 27 Recruitment and Appointment.................................................................................. 28 Designation as Member............................................................................................ 29 Proof of Appointment ............................................................................................... 30 Salary and Benefits ............................... .................................................................... 31 Training ..................................................................... :............................................... 32 Commissioned Officers............................................................................................. 33 Inquiries .................... : .............................................. : ................... : ........... ~................ 34 Discharge of Members on account of Redundancy, Interest of Service or Appoint-
ment to Public Office .................. :......................................................................... 35 Discharge on account of Sentence Imposed ..... , .......... :............................................ 36 Discharge of Members Failing to Complete Basic Training.................................... 37 Missing Members and Employees............................................................................ 38 Secondment of Members .......................................................................................... 39 Disciplinary. Proceedings .......................................................................................... · 40 Strikes .......... ; ........................•................................. :.................................................. 41 Conduct Sheets.......................................................................................................... 42 Suspension while in Detention or Imprisoned.......................................................... 43 Rewards and Recognitions........................................................................................ 44 Retirement................................................................................................................. 45 Political Activities of Members ... : ................ : ... : ............. : ........ : ........ :....................... 46 Obedience ............................. ~.................................................................................... 47 Reserve Police Service.............................................................................................. 48 Limitation on Right to Resign.................................................................................. 49
CHAPTER 10
INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS DIRECTORATE
Establishment and Independence.............................................................................. 50 Appointment of Executive Director ................... :: ......... : .. :: ..... : ..... : .... ::.: .. : .......... :..... 51 Personnel and Expenditure ................................. :.................................................... 52 Functions of Directorate ........................................................................................... 53 Reporting ............................................................................... : ........... ; ............ : .. :....... 54
CHAPTER 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Non-liability for Acts Under Irregular Warrant........................................................ 55 Limitation of Liability of State and Members ............................................... :.......... 56 Actions against Service............................................................................................. 57
6 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZE1TE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE Acr, 1995
Subject Section
Salary or Allowance not to be Assigned or Attached............................................... 58 Prohibition on Certain Dealings ............................................................................... 59 Property of Service not Liable to Seizure or Attachment ........................................ 60 Exemption from Tolls, Fees and Fees of Office....................................................... 61 Police Clubs Exempt from Licence Duties and Other Fees..................................... 62 Payment by Public for Police Services .............................................................. :...... 63
CHAPTER12
MUNICIPAL AND METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICES
· Municipal and Metropolitan Police Services........................................................ 64
CHAPTER13.
OFFENCES
Receipt or Possession of Certain ftoperty .: .. , .............. .' ....................... : . .' .. : ........... :.. 65 Wearing and Use of Uniforms, Badges, etc. of Service ... :....................................... 66 Interference with Members....................................................................................... 67 False Representations ...................................................................................... ·.......... 68 Prohibition ·on Making of Sketches or Taking of Photographs of Certain Persons
and Publication thereof ........................................................................ :................ 69 Unauthorised Disclosure of Information ..................................................... :............ 70 Unauthorised Access to or Modification of Computer Material ................. :............ 71
CHAPTER 14
REPEAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Repeal and Transitional Provisions ... :: .......... :.,.: ............. : ........................... , ...... , .. ;:. 72
CHAPTER IS
SHORT TITLE AND COMMENCEMENT
Short Title and Commencement ........ :.: ...... : ......... : .............. : .............................. :..... 73 . . '
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS section 214 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1993 (Act No. 200 of 1993), requires legislation to provide for the establishment and regulation of a South African Police Service which shall be structured at both national and provincial levels and shall function under the direction of the national government as well as the various provincial governments;
AND WHEREAS there is a need to provide a police service throughout the national territory to- · · · · ' · · · ·
(a) ensure the safety and security of all persons and property in the national territory; . ..
(b) uphold and safeguard the fundamental rights of every person as guaranteed by Chapter 3 of the Constitution; · . . · · ·.
(c) ensure co-operation between the Service and the communities it serves in the combating of crime; · · ·
(d) reflect respect for victims of crime and an understanding of their needs; and (e) ensure effective civilian supervision over the Service;
(Afrikaans text signed by the President.) . · (Assented to 28 September 1995.)
8 No. 16731. GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCI'OBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AfRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995 ·
BE, IT THEREFORE enacted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:- CHAPTER!
INTERPRETATION
Definitions . ' .. , .
1. In this Act, unless the context otherwise indicates-. . (i) "board" means the Board of Commissioners established by section 10(1);
(xvi) (ii) "certificate of appointment" means the document referred to in section 30; (i)
5
(iii) "commissioned ·officer" means a -commissioned officer appointed under 10 section 33(1); (v)
(iv) "directorate" means the Independent Complaints Directorate established by· section 50(1 ); (iii)
(v) "employee organisation" means an organisation consisting inter alia of members or employees of. the Service formally associated together and 15 organised in a staff association, trade association or trade union, for the
. purpose of regulating relations between themselves and the Service; (xxx) (vi) "equipment" includes any article supplied by the Service for use by a member
in the performance of his or her duties; (xxiii) . (vii), "executive co-ordinating committee" means the executive· co-ordinating 20
'committee established by section 4(1); (xxv) ' ' . (viii) "Executive Director" means the Executive Director appointed in terms of
section 51; (xxiv) . .. ' ..
(ix) ''fixed establishment'.' means the posts which have been created for the normal and regular requireineius of the· Service; (xxvii) 25
(x) "member" means any member of the Service referred to in section 5(2), including- · ' .. · · · · · '
(a) except for the purposes of any provision of this Actin respect of which the National Commissioner may otherwise prescribe, any member of the Reserve while such member is on duty in the Service; · 30
(b) any temporary member while employed in the Service; (c) any person appointed .in terms of any other law to serve in the Service
and in respect of whom the Minister has prescribed that he or she be deemed to be a member of the Service for the purposes of this Act; and
(d) any person designated under section 29 as a member; (vi) 35 (xi)- "member of the Executive Council" means the member of the Executive
Council referred to in section 217(1) of the Constitution; (vii) (xii) "metropolitan police service" means' a metropolitan police service estab-
lished under section 64(1)(b); (viii) . (xiii) "Minister" means the Minister for Safety' and Security; (ix) 40 (x.iv) . "municipal police service .. means a municipal police serviCe established
under section 64(1)(aj; (x) · (xv) ''National Commissioner" means the National Commissioner referred to in
section 6(1); (xi) · · · · · · . (xvi) "National Orders and Instructions" means National Orders and Instructions 45
. 'issued under section: 25(1) or whichcontinue to apply in terms of section 72(4)(a); (xii) . . · · · · . · · '
. ;('xvii) . "national public order policing unit;, means the national p'ublicorder policing unit established in terms of section 17(1); (xiii). , · · · ·
(xviii) ''Parliamentary Committees "means the Standing Committees of the National 50 Assembly and the Senate responsible for safety and security affairs; (xiv)
(xix) "prescribe" means prescribe by_regulatlon; (xxix) · ·· (xx) ':Provincial Commissioner" means the Provincial Commissioner of a
provii1ce referred to iri section' 6(2);' (xv)' · . (xxi) "Rationalisation Proclamation" means the South African Police Service 55
Rationalisation Proclamation,' 1995, published by Proclamaiiori No. 5,1995, dated 27 January 1995; (xvii)
(xxii) "regulation" means a regulation made under this Act or which continues to apply in terms of section 72(4)(a); (xviii)
(xxiii) "Reserve" means the Reserve Police Service referred to in section 48; (xix) 60 (xxiv) "secretariat" means the Secretariat for Safety and Security established under
section 2(1); (xx) · ·· ·
10 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995
(xxv) "Secretary" means the Secretary for Safety and Security appointed under section 2(2); (xxi)
(xxvi) "Service" means the South African Police Service established by section 5(1); (ii)
(xxvii) "stores" means any movable property of the State which is kept in stock for 5 distribution in the Service; (xxviii)
(xxviii) "strike" means a strike within the meaning of the Labour Relations Act, 1956 (Act No. 28 of 1956); (xxii) · ·
(xxix) "this Act" includes the regulations; (iv) and (xxx) "uniform" means a uniform as prescribed. (xxvi) 10
Secretariat
CHAPTER2
MINISTERIAL SERVICES
2. (!)(a) The Minister shall establish a secretariat to be called the Secretariat for Safety and Security. 15
(b) A provincial government may establish a provincial secretariat to be called the Provincial Secretariat for Safety and Security: Provided that the date on which a provincial secretariat will come into operation shall be determined by a provincial government in consultation with the Minister.
(2) The Minister may, subject to the laws governing the public service, appoint a 20 person to the office of Secretary who shall be responsible for-
( a) the performance of the functions of the secretariat; and (b) the management and administration thereof.
(3) The Secretary may, in consultation with the . Minister, subject to the laws governing the public service, appoint the necessary personnel to assist the Secretary to 25 perform, subject to his or her control and directions, any function of the secretariat.
Functions of secretariat
3. (1) The secretariat shall- ( a) advise the Minister in the exercise of his or her powers and the performance
of his or her duties and functions; 30 (b) perform such functions as the Minister may consider necessary or expedient to
ensure civilian oversight of the Service; (c) promote democratic accountability and transparency in the Service; (d) promote and facilitate participation by the Service in the Reconstruction and
Development Programme; 35 (e) provide the Minister with legal services and advice on constitutional matters; (f) provide the Minister with communication, support and administrative
· services; (g) monitor the implementation of policy and directions issued by the Minister
and report to the Minister thereon; 40 (h) conduct research into any policing matter in accordance with the instructions
of the Minister and report to the Minister thereon; (i) perform such functions as may from time to time be assigned to the secretariat
by the Minister; and (j) evaluate the functioning of the Service and report to the Minister thereon. 45
. (2) To the extent that it is reasonably necessary for the performance of the functions of the secretariat, any member of its personnel-
( a) may request and obtain information and documents under the control of the Service;
(b). may enter any building or premises under the control of the Service; and. 50 (c) shall be entitled to all reasonable assistance by a member.
(3) The Minister may make regulations regarding the establishing and proper functioning of secretariats: Provided that regulations with regard to provincial
12 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995 ·
secretariats shall be made in consultation with the executive co-ordinating committee. (4) A document in the prescribed form, certifying that a person is a member of the
personnel of the secretariat, shall serve as prima facie proof that such person is such a member ... : .
(5) Subsections (!), (2) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to a Provincial . 5 Secretariat for Safety and Security.
Executive co-ordinating committee
' 4. (I) The executive co-ordinating committee contemplated in section 220(1) of the Constitution is hereby established.
(2) The Minister shall convene the first meeting of the executive co-ordinating 10 committee.
(3) The Minister or his or her nominee shall preside at meetings of the executive co-ordinating committee and the executive co-ordinating committee shall determine its own procedure.
CHAPTER3
· ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION OF SERVICE
Establishment and composition of Service.
5. (I) The South African Police Service contemplated in section 214(1) of the Constitution is hereby established.
15
(2) The Service shall consist of- . · 20 (a) all persons who immediately before the commencement of this Act were
members- (i) of a force which, by virtue of section 236(7)(a) of the Constitution, is
deemed to constitute part of the Service; · . (ii) appointed under the Rationalisation Proclamation; 25
.. , .(iii) of the Reserve by virtue of section 12(2)(k) of the Rationalisation Proclamation;
(b) members appointed in terms of section 28(2) of this Act; and (c) persons who become members of the Reserve under section 48(2) of this Act.
· .. CHAPTER 4 30 '' -, COMMISSIONERS
'·. '; .... ·' Appointment of National and Provincial Commissioners ·
6. (I) There shall be a National Commissioner of the Service who shall be appointed in accordance with section 216(2)(a) of the Constitution.
· (2) There shall be a Provincial Commissioner of the Service for each province who 35 shall be appointed by the National Commissioner subject to section 218(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Terms of office of National and Provincial Commissioners
7. (I) Subject to this Act, the person who is appointed as National or Provincial Commissioner shall occupy that office for a period of five years from the date of his or 40 her appointment or such shorter period·as may be.determined at the time of his or her appointment by-
( a) the President, in relation to the National Commissioner; or . (b) the National Commissioner in consultation with the member of the Executive
Council, in relation to a Provincial Commissioner. 45 (2) The term of office referred to in subsection (I) may be extended at the expiry
thereof for a period or successive periods not exceeding five years at a time, as may, subject to subsection (3), be determined by-
( a) ·the President, in relation to the National Commissioner; or
14 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETI'E, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
(b) the National Commissioner in consultation with the member of the Executive Council concerned, in relation to the Provincial Commissioner.
(3) The President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, shall notify the Commissioner concerned in writing at least two calendar months before the expiry of the period contemplated in subsection (1), or any subsequent extended period · 5 contemplated in subsection (2), whether he or she intends extending his or her term of office or not and, if so, for what period.
( 4) When the National or Provincial Commissioner receives notice of the extension of his or her term of office in accordance with subsection (3), he or she shall notify the President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, in writing within one 10 calendar month from the date of receipt of such notice of his or her acceptance or not of such extended term of office.
(5) If the National or Provincial Commissioner notifies the President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, in accordance with subsection (4) of his or her acceptance of such extended term of office, his or her term of office shall be extended 15 accordingly ..
Loss of confidence in National or Provincial Commissioner
8. (I) If the National Commissioner has lost the confidence of the Cabinet, the President may establish a board of inquiry consisting of a judge of the Supreme Court as chairperson, and two other suitable persons, to- 20 · (a) inquire into the circumstances that led to the loss of confidence;
(b) compile a report; and (c) make recommendations.
(2)( a) If a Provincial Commissioner has lost the confidence of the Executive Council, the member of the Executive Council may notify the Minister of such occurrence and 25 the reasons therefor.
(b) The Minister shall, if he or she deems it necessary and appropriate, refer the notice contemplated in paragraph (a) to the National Commissioner. .
(c) The National Commissioner shall, upon receipt of the notice, establish a board of inquiry consisting of not more than three persons, of which the chairperson shall, subject 30 to paragraph (d), be a person who, for at least 10 years after having qualified as an advocate or an attorney, practised as such, to-
(i) inquire into the circumstances that led to the loss of confidence; · (ii) compile a report; and
(iii) make recommendations. . 35 (d) The National Commissioner may appoint any other person suitably qualified in
law as chairperson of the board of inquiry. · . · · (3) (a) The President or National Commissioner, as the case may be, may, after
hearing the Commissioner concerned, pending the outcome of the inquiry referred to in subsection (I) or (2)(c), suspend him or her from office. · 40
(b) A Commissioner who is suspended from office under paragraph (a), shall, during the period of such suspension, be entitled to any salary, allowance, privilege or benefit to which he or she is otherwise entitled as a member, unless the President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, determines otherwise.
(4) If a board of inquiry is established under subsection (1) or (2)(c), the 45 Commissioner concerned shall be notified thereof in writing, and thereupon he or she may-
(a) be assisted or represented by another person or legal representative; (b) make written representations to the board; (c) be present at the inquiry; 50 (d) · give evidence thereat; (e) cross-examine witnesses not called by him or her; (f) be heard; (g) call witnesses; and (h) have access to documents relevant to the inquiry. 55
(5) The board of inquiry shall determine its own procedure. (6)(a) At the conclusion of the inquiry, the board shall submit its report to-
(i) (aa) the President, in the event of an inquiry under subsection (I); or (bb) the National Commissioner, the member of the Executive Council and
16 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRJCAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
the standing committee of the provincial legislature responsible for safety and security affairs, in the event of an inquiry under subsection (2);
(ii) the Commissioner concerned; and (iii) the Parliamentary Committees. 5
(b) The report referred to in paragraph (a) may recommend that- (i) no action be taken in the matter;
(ii) the Commissioner concerned be transferred to another post or be employed additional to the fixed establishment;
(iii) his or her salary or rank or both his or her salary and rank be reduced; 10 (iv) action be taken against him or her in accordance with subparagraphs (ii) and
(iii); (v) he or she be removed from office; or
(vi) any other appropriate steps (including the postponement of any decision by the President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, for a period 15 not exceeding 12 calendar months) be taken.
(7) The President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, may, upon receipt of a recommendation contemplated in subsection (6), remove the Commissioner concerned from office, or take any other appropriate action: Provided that, if the President or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, postpones his or her 20 decision for a period, he or she shall, at the end of such period, request the same board of inquiry, or a similar board established for that purpose, to compile a new report and to make a new recommendation after having considered the conduct of the Commissioner concerned during such period.
(8) If a Provincial Commissioner has lost the confidence of the National 25 Commissioner, the provisions of subsections (2)(c) and (d), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) shall apply mutatis mutandis. . . , . · · . . .
(9) In the event of a Commissioner being removed from office following on an inquiry in accordance with a finding of a loss of confidence in such a Commissioner, or in accordance with a finding of a loss of confidence referred to in section 9(3), his or her 30 term of office shall be deemed to have expired on the date immediately preceding the date on which such removal from office takes effect.
Misconduct by or incapacity of National or Provincial Commissioner
9. (1) Subject to this section, subsections (1) to (8) of section 8 shall apply mutatis mutandis to any inquiry into allegations of misconduct by the National or Provincial 35 Commissioner, or into his or her fitness for office or capacity for executing his or her official duties efficiently. '
(2) The board of inquiry established by virtue of subsection ( 1) shall make a finding in respect of the alleged misconduct or alleged unfitness for office or incapacity of executing official duties efficiently, as the case may be, and make recommendations as 40 contemplated in section 8(6)(b). . .
(3) If the· National Commissioner has lost the confidence of the Cabinet or a Provincial Commissioner has lost the confidence of the Executive Council or the National Commissioner, as the case may be, following on an inquiry in terms of this section, the provisions of section 8(7) shall apply mutatis mutandis. . . . . . . . 45
. . ~ '
Board of Commissioners . . . 10. (!).The Board of Commissioners consisting of the National. and Provincial
Commissioners is hereby established. J (2) The functions of the board shall be to promote co-operation and co-ordination in
the Service. . 50 (3) The board shall be presided over by the National Commissioner or his or her
nominee and the board shall determine its own procedure.
CHAPTERS
POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS·
National Commissioner
'···
55
· 11. (I) The National Commissioner may exercise the powers and shall perform the • duties and functions necessary to give effect to section 218(1) of the Constitution.
18 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZE1TE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTIIAFRICAN POLICE SERVlCEACf, 1995
(2) Without derogating from the generality of subsection (1), the powers, duties and functions referred to in that subsection shall include the power, duty and function to-
(a) develop a plan before the end of each financial year, setting out the priorities and objectives of policing for the following financial year;
(b) determine the fixed establishment of the Service and the number and grading 5 of posts;
(c) determine the distribution of the numerical strength of the Service after · consultation with the board;
(d) organise or reorganise the Service at national level into various components, units or groups; 10
(e) establish and maintain training institutions or centres for the training of students and other members;
(f) establish and maintain bureaus, depots, quarters, workshops or any other institution of any nature whatsoever, which may be expedient for the general management, control and maintenance of the Service; and 15
(g) perform any leg~ act or act in any legal capacity on behalf of the Service.
Provincial Commissioners
12. (I) Subject to this Act, a Provincial Commissioner shall have cortunand of and control over the Service under his or her jurisdiction in the province and may exercise the powers and shall perform the duties and functions necessary to give effect to section 20 219 of the Constitution. · ' ·
(2) A Provincial Commissioner may- ( a) subject to a determination under section l1(2)(a), delimit any area in the
province and determine the boundaries thereof until the province has been divided into as many areas as may be necessary for the purposes of the 25
· • organisation of the Service under his or her jurisdiction; and (b) establish and maintain police stations and units in the province and determine
the boundaries of station or unit areas. . . . (3) A Provincial Cimimissioner shall determine the distribution of the strength of the
Service under his or her jurisdiction in the province among the different areas, station 30 areas, offices and units.
Members
13. (1) Subject to the Constitution and with due regard to the fundamental rights of every person, a member may exercise such powers and shall perform such duties and functions as are by law conferred on or assigned to a police official. 35
(2) Where a member becomes aware that a prescribed offence has been committed, he or she shall inform his or her commanding officer thereof as soon as possible.
(3) (a) A member who is obliged to perform an official duty, shall, with due regard to his or her powers, duties and functions, perform such duty in a manner that is reasonable in the circumstances. 40
(b) Where a member who performs an official duty is authorised by law to use force, he or she may use only the minimum force which is reasonable in the circumstances.
(4) Every member shall be competent to serve or execute any surtunons; warrant or other process whether directed to him or her or to any other member.
(5) Any member may in general or in any particular instance be required to act as 45 prosecutor, or in any other respect to appear on behalf of the State in any criminal matter before any magistrate's court, any magistrate holding a preparatory examination, a court of a special justice of the peace or any other lower court in the Republic.
(6) Any member may, where it is reasonably necessary for the purposes of control over the illegal movement of people or goods across the borders of the Republic, without 50 warrant search any person, premises, other place, vehicle, vessel or aircraft, or any receptacle of whatever nature, at any place in the Republic within I 0 kilometres or any reasonable distance from any border between the Republic and any foreign state, or in the territorial waters of the Republic, or inside the Republic within 10 kilometres or any.
20 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCI"OBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACI; 1995.
reasonable distance from such territorial waters and seize anything found in the possession of such person or upon or at or in such premises, other place, vehicle, vessel, aircraft or receptacle and which may lawfully be seized.
(7)( a) The National or Provincial Commissioner may, where it is reasonable in the circumstances in order to restore public order or to ensure the safety of the public in a 5 particular area, in writing authorise that the particular area or any part thereof be cordoned off.
(b) The written authorisation referred to in paragraph (a) shall specify lhe period, which shall not exceed 24 hours, during which the said area may be cordoned off, the area or part thereof to be cordoned off and the object of the proposed action. I 0 . (c) Upon receipt of the written authorisation referred to in paragraph (a), any member
may cordon off the area concerned or part thereof, and may, where it is reasonably necessary in order to achieve the object specified in the written authorisation, without warrant, search any person, premises or vehicle, or any receptacle or object of whatever nature, in that area or part thereof and seize any article referred to in section 20 of the 15 Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), found by him or her in the possession of such person or in that area or part thereof; Provided that a member executing a search under this paragraph shall, upon demand of any person whose rights are or have been affected by the search or seizure, exhibit to him or her a copy of the written authorisation. 20
(8)(a) The National or Provincial Commissioner may, where it is reasonable in the circumstances in order to exercise a power or perform a function referred to in section 215 of the Constitution, in writing authorise a member under his or her command; to set up a roadblock or roadblocks on any public road in a particular area or to set up a checkpoint or checkpoints at any public place iri a particular area. · 25
(b) The written authorisation referred to in paragraph (a) shall specify the date, approximate duration, place and object of the proposed action. · ·
(c) Any member authorised under paragraph (a) may set up a roadblock or roadblocks or cause a roadblock or roadblocks to be set up on any public road in the area so specified or set up a checkpoint or checkpoints or cause a checkpoint or checkpoints to be set up 30 at any public place in the area so specified. ·
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), any member who has reasonable suspicion to believe that- · ·
(i) an offence mentioned in Schedule 1 to the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, has been committed and that a person who has been involved in the commission 35 thereof is, or is about to be, travelling in a motor vehicle iri a particular area;
(ii) a person who is a witness to such an offence is absconding and is, or is about to be, travelling in a motor vehicle in a particular area and that a warrant for his or her arrest has been issued under section 184 of the Criminal Procedure
. Act, 1977, or that such a warrant will be issued if the information at the 40 disposal of the member is brought to the attention of the magistrate, regional magistrate or judge referred to in that section, but that the delay in obtaining
· such warrant will defeat the object of the roadblock; · (iii) a person who is reasonably suspected of intending to commit an offence
referred to in subparagraph (i) and who may be prevented from committing 45 such an offence by the setting up of a roadblock is, or is about to be, travelling in a motor vehicle in a particular area; ·
(iv) a person who is a fugitive after having escaped from lawful custody is, or is about to be, travelling in a motor vehicle in a particular area; or
(v) any object which- 50 (aa) is concerned in; ( bb) may afford evidence of; or (cc) is intended to be used in, · the commission of an offence referred to in subparagraph (i), 'whether within the Republic or elsewhere, and which is, or is about to be, transported in a 55 motor vehicle in a particular area and that a search warrant will be issued to him or her under section 21(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, if he
22 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995
or she had reason to believe !hat !he object will be transported in a specific vehicle and he or she had applied for such warrant,
and !hat !he delay !hat will be caused by first obtaining an aulhorisation referred to in paragraph (a), will defeat !he object of !he roadblock, may set up a roadblock on any public road or roads in !hat area for !he purpose of establishing whelher a motor vehicle 5 is carrying such a person or object.
(e) For !he purposes of exercising !he powers conferred by paragraph (c) or (d), a member shall display, set up or erect on or next to !he road or at !he public place such sign, barrier or object as is reasonable in !he circumstances to bring !he order to stop to !he attention of !he driver of a vehicle approaching !he roadblock so as to ensure !hat !he 10 vehicle will come to a stop or to the attention of a person approaching !he checkpoint.
(f) Any driver of a vehicle who approaches a roadblock or any person who approaches a checkpoint and who refuses or fails to stop in accordance wilh an order to stop displayed as contemplated in paragraph (e), shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six monlhs. 15
(g) Any member may, wilhout warrant- (i) in !he event of a roadblock or checkpoint !hat is set up in accordance wilh
paragraph (c), search any person or vehicle stopped at such roadblock or checkpoint and any receptacle or object of whatever nature in !he possession of such person or in, on or attached to such vehicle and seize any article 20 referred to in section 20 of !he Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, found by him or her in !he possession of such person or in, on or attached to such receptacle or vehicle: Provided !hat a member executing a search under !his subparagraph shall, upon demand of any person whose rights are or have been affected by !he search or seizure, exhibit to him or her a copy of !he written aulhorisation 25 by !he Commissioner concerned; and ·
(ii) in !he event of a roadblock !hat is set up in accordance wilh paragraph (d), search any person or vehicle stopped at such roadblock and any receptacle or object of whatever nature in, on or attached to such vehicle and seize any article referred to in section 20 of !he Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, found by 30 him or her in, on or attached to such receptacle or vehicle: Provided !hat a member executing a search under !his subparagraph shall, upon demand of any person whose rights are or have been affected by !he search or seizure, inform him or her of !he reason for !he setting up of !he roadblock.
(h) For !he purposes of !his subsection "checkpoint" includes any barrier set up under 35 an aulhorisation referred to in paragraph (a) in order to control !he movement of persons.
(9) The provisions of sections 29 to 36 of !he Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, shall apply mutatis mutandis in respect of a search conducted under subsections (6), (7) and (8) and any object seized during such a search. ·
(10) The National or Provincial Commissioner may, in !he exercise of any power or 40 !he performance of any function referred to in section 215 of !he Constitution, publish or cause to be published, or in any olher manner display or cause to be displayed any information, photograph or sketch of any person.
(II)(a) A member may, for !he purposes of investigating any offence or alleged offence, cordon off !he scene of such offence or alleged offence and any adjacent area 45 which is reasonable in !he circumstances to cordon off in order to conduct an effective investigation at !he scene of !he offence or alleged offence.
(b) A member may, where it is reasonable in !he circumstances in order to conduct such investigation, prevent any person from entering or leaving an area so cordoned off.
(l2)(a) If !he. National Commissioner deems it necessary for !he purposes of 50 performing !he functions of !he Service, he or she may, wilh !he approval of !he Minister, direct any member to perform service at any place outside !he Republic. ·
(b) A member in respect of whom a direction has been issued under paragraph (a), shall perform service in accordance wiih such direction and shall, while so performing service, remain, unless !he Minister in a particular case olherwise directs, subject to !he 55 provisions of !his Act as if performing service wilhin !he Republic.
24 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETfE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTIIAFRICAN POUCE SERVICE ACT, 1995
( 13) Subject to the Constitution - (a) this section shall not be construed as derogating from any power conferred
upon a member by or under this Act or any other law, including the common law; and
(b) the powers conferred upon a member by this section shall not be limited by · 5 any other law, including the common law.
Employment of Service in preservation of life, health or property
14. The National or Provincial Commissioner may employ members for service in the preservation of life, health or property.
Delegation
15. (l)(a) Subject to section 15 of the Exchequer Act, 1975 (Act No. 66 of 1975); any power conferred on the National or Provincial Commissioner by this Act or any other law, excluding the power contemplated in section 13(7)( a), may be delegated in writing
10
by any such Commissioner to any member or other person in the employment of the Service, or a board or body established by or under this Act or a law referred to in section 15 217(3) of the Constitution, who or which shall exercise such power subject to the directions of the Commissioner concerned.
(b) Paragraph (a) shall appiy.mutatis mutandis in respect of any power delegated by the National Commissioner to a Provincial Commissioner under thai paragraph. · · (2) The delegation of any power by the National or Provincial Commissioner under 20 subsection (1) may be withdrawn by such a Commissioner and any decision taken by anyone under such delegated imwer may be· withdrawn or amended by such Commissioner, and shall, until it is so withdrawn or ainended, be deemed to have been taken by the National or Provincial Commissioner concerned: Provided that any such withdrawal or amendment shall not affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability 25 acquired, accrued or incurred as a result of such ,decisio":. .
CHAPTER6
ORGANISED CRIME AND PUBLIC ORDER POLICING UNIT . ' National pre~ention and investigation of crime
• - r • • • '
16. (I) Circumstances amounting to criminal conduct or an endeavour thyreto, ·as set 30 out in subsection (2), shall be regarded as organised crime,' crime which requires national prevention or investigation, or crime which requires specialised skills in the prevention and investigation thereof. :
(2) Circumstances contemplated in subsection (I) comprise criminal conduct or endeavour thereto-- ' ' · 35
(a) by any enterprise or group of persons who have a common goal in committing crimes in an organised manner; · · . .
(b) (i) by a person or persons in positions of trust and making use of specialised or exclusive knowledge;
(ii) in respect of the revenue or' expenditure of the national government; or 40 (iii) in respect of the national economy or the integrity of currencies; · ·
(c) ·which takes on such proportions or is of such a nature that the prevention or investigation thereof at national level would be in the national interest; . ·
· (d) in respect of unwrought precious metals or unpolished diamonds; · (e) in respect of the hunting, importation, exportation, possession, buying and 45
selling of endangered species or any products thereof as may be prescribed; (j). in more than one province or outside the borders of the Republic by the same
perpetrator or perpetrators, and in respect of which the prevention or in~estigation at national level would be in the national interest; ~ · .
(g) in respect of which the prevention or investigation requires the application of 50 specialised skills and where expedience requires that it be prevented or investigated at national level_~ · · · · ·
26 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
(h) which a Provincial Commissioner requests the National Commissioner to prevent or investigate by employing expertise and making resources available at national level and to which request the National Commissioner accedes;
(i) in respect of which the investigation in the Republic by the Service is . requested by an international police agency or the police of a foreign country; 5 and
UJ in respect of which the prevention or investigation by members under the command of a Provincial Commissioner will detrimentally affect or hamper the prevention or investigation of circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a) to (i). 10
(3) In the event of a dispute between the National and Provincial Commissioner regarding the question whether criminal conduct or endeavour thereto should be regarded as organised crime, crime which requires national prevention or investigation or crime which requires specialised skills in the investigation and prevention thereof, the determination by the National Commissioner shall prevail. 15
(4)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (I), (2) and (3), the Provincial Commissioner shall be responsible for the prevention and investigation of all crimes or alleged crimes committed in the province concerned. . .
(b) Where an investigation of a crime or alleged crime reveals that the circumstances referred to in subsection (2) are present, the Provincial Commissioner shall report the 20 matter to the National Commissioner as soon as possible.
(c) The National Commissioner may, in consultation with the Provincial Commis- sioner concerned, notwithstanding the presence of the circumstances referred to in subsection (2), direct that the investigation or any part thereof, be conducted by the Provincial Commissioner. 25
National public order policing unit
17. (1) The National Commissioner shall, subject to section 218(1)(k) of the Constitution, establish and maintain a national public order policing unit.
(2) The National Commissioner may deploy the national public order policing unit, or any part thereof, at the request and in support of a Provincial Commissioner, taking into 30 account-
( a) the reason for the request; (b) the personnel and equipment available to the unit; and (c) any other circumstances anywhere in the national territory which may have an
influence on the maintenance of public order and which may require the 35 deployment of the unit or any part thereof elsewhere.
(3) Where the national public order policing unit or any part thereof is deployed under subsection (2), the unit shall perform its functions subject to the directions of the Provincial Commissioner concerned: Provided that the mere fact of such deployment does not preclude the President from exercising his or her powers under subsection (5) 40 in relation to the area where the unit is so deployed.
(4) The National Commissioner may withdraw the national public order policing unit or any part thereof deployed under subsection (2), taking into account-
( a) the prevailing circumstances where the unit or part thereof is so deployed; (b) the personnel and equipment available to the unit; and 45 (c) any other circumstances anywhere in the national territory which may have an
influence on the maintenance of public order and which may require the . deployment of the unit or any part thereof elsewhere:
Provided that the National Commissioner shall, at the request of the Provincial Commissioner, withdraw the unit or any part thereof so deployed. 50
(5) The President may, in consultation· with the Cabinet, direct the National Commissioner to deploy the national public order policing unit in circumstances where a Provincial Commissioner is unable to maintain public order and the deployment of the unit is necessary to restore public order.
(6) The National Commissioner shall, upon receiving a direction under subsection 55 (5), deploy the national public order policing unit or such part thereof as may be necessary to restore public order to the area concerned, and may from time to time if he or she deems it necessary, deploy additional members of the unit in the area concerned
28 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SQUill AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995·
or, subject to subsection (7), withdraw members of the unit from the area concerned if their continued presence is no longer required to restore or maintain public order in the area concerned or in any part thereof.
(7) Where the national public order policing unit or any part thereof is deployed under subsection (5) and public order has been restored in the area concerned, the unit or part 5 thereof shall continue to maintain public order in such area until the President, in consultation with the Cabinet, directs the National Commissioner to withdraw the unit.
CHAPTER7 '.
COMMUNITY POLICE FORUMS AND BOARDS.
Objects of community police forums and boards
18. (I) The Service shall, in order to achieve the objects contemplated in section 215 of the Constitution, liaise with the community through community police forums and area and provincial community police boards, in accordance with sections 19, 20 and 21, with a view to-
10
(a) establishing and maintaining a partnership between the community and the 15 Service;
(b) promoting communication between the Service and the community; (c) promoting co-operation between the Service and the community in fulfilling
the needs of the community regarding policing; (d) · improving the rendering of police services to the community at national, 20
provincial, area and local levels; (e) improving transparency in the Service and accountability of the Service to the
community; and (f) promoting joint problem identification and problem-solving by the Service
and the community. · 25 (2) This Chapter shall not preclude liaison by the Service with the community by
means other than through community police forums and boards.
Establishment of community police forums
19. (I) A Provincial Commissioner shall, subject to the directions of the member of the Executive Council, be responsible for establishing community police forums at 30 police stations in the province which shall, subject to subsection (3), be broadly representative of the local community.
(2) A community police forum may establish community police sub-forums. (3) Subject to section 23( I )(b), the station commissioner and the members designated
by him or her from time to time for that purpose, shall be members of the community 35 police forum and sub-forums established at the police station concerned.
Establishment of area community police boards
20. (I) A Provincial Commissioner shall, subject to the directions of the member of the Executive Council, be responsible for establishing area community police boards in all areas within the province. 40
(2) An area community police board shall, subject to subsection (3), consist of representatives of community police forums in the area concerned designated for that purpose by such community police forums.
(3) Subject to section 23( I )(b), the area commissioner and the members designated by him or her from time to time for that purpose, shall be members of the area community 45 police board concerned. ·
Establishment of provincial community police boards
21. (I) A Provincial Commissioner shall, subject to the directions of the member of the Executive Council, be responsible for establishing a provincial community police board. 50
(2) A provincial community police board shall, subject to subsection (3), consist of representatives of area community police boards designated for that purpose by the area community police boards in the province concerned.
30 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995 .
(3) Subject to section 23(1)(b), the Provincial Commissioner and the members designated by him or her from time to time for that purpose, shall be members of the provincial community police board concerned.
Functions of community police forums and boards
22. (1) A provincial or area community police board or a community police forum or 5 subforum shall perform the functions it deems necessary and appropriate to achieve the objects contemplated in section 18, which may include the functions contemplated in section 221 (2) of the Constitution. ·
(2) The Minister shall, in consultation with the executive co-ordinating committee, make regulations to ensure the proper functioning of community police forums and 1 0 sub-forums and community police boards.
Procedural matters .
23. (1) Every provincial or area community police board and community police forum or sub-forum shall-
( a) . elect one of its members as chairperson and another one as vice-chairperson; 15 (b) determine the number of members to be designated by the provincial, area or
station commissioner concerned to serve as members of the board, forum or subforum concerned: Provided that that number shall not be less than one in addition to the provincial, area or station commissioner concerned;
(c) determine its own procedure and cause minutes to be kept of its proceedings; 20 and · ·
(d) whenever it deems it necessary, co-opt other members or experts or communiry leaders to the board or forum in an advisory capacity.
(2) Members of community police forums or boards shall render their services on a · voluntary basis and shall have no claim to compensation solely for services rendered to 25 such forums and boards.
(3) The majority of the members of the board, forum or sub-forum concerned shall constitute a quorum at a meeting thereof.
(4) If the chairperson of a board or forum referred to in this section is absent from a meeting, the vice-chairperson shall act as chairperson, and if both the chairperson and 30 vice-chairperson are so absent, the members present shall elect one of their number to preside at that meeting.
CHAPTERS
REGULATIONS
Regulations 35
24. (1) The Minister may make regulations regarding- ( a) the exercising of policing powers and the performance by members of their
duties and functions; (b) the recruitment, appointment, promotion and transfer of members;. (c) the training, conduct and conditions of service of members; 40 (d) the general management, control and maintenance of the Service; (e)· returns, registers, records, documents, forms and correspondence in the
Service; (f) ·labour relations, including matters regarding suspension, dismissal and
grievances; 45 (g) (i) the institution and conduct of disciplinary proceedings or inquiries;
(ii) conduct by members that will constitute misconduct; (iii) the provisions, if any, of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51
of 1977), that shall apply mutatis mutandis to disciplinary proceedings or inquiries under this Act; 50
(iv) the attendance by a member or any witness, of such disciplinary proceedings or inquiries;
(v) the circumstances under which such disciplinary proceedings or inquir- ies may be conducted or proceeded with in the absence of the member accused of misconduct or affected by such an inquiry; 55
32 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCIOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SO UTI! AFRICAN POUCE SERVICE ACT, I 995
(vi) the hearing and submission of evidence at such disciplinary proceedings or inquiries;
(vii) competent findings and sanctions in respect of such disciplinary proceedings or inquiries; and
(viii) review and appeal in respect of such disciplinary proceedings or 5 inquiries;
(h) the issue of a code of conduct for the Service and the upholding thereof; (i) the establishment of different categories of personnel, components, ranks,
designations and appointments in the Service; UJ · (i) the standards of physical and mental fitness required, and the medical 10
examination, of members; (ii) the medical, dental and hospital treatment of members and their families;
(k) (i) the establishment, management and control of a scheme to provide for the medical, dental arid hospital treatment, the provision of medicines and other medical requirements and the transportation during their 15 indisposition of- (aa) members and members of their families; (bb) members who have retired or who retire on pension, and members
of their families; and (cc) the families of deceased members; 20
(ii) the categories of members, or other persons who shall or may become members of such a scheme;
(iii) the portion of the costs of such treatment, medicines, medical require- ments and transportation which shall be payable under such a scheme by any member or category of members of such a scheme; 25
(iv) the termination of membership of such a scheme; (v) the rights, privileges and obligations of members of such a scheme;
(vi) the vesting in such a scheme of assets, rights, liabilities or obligations or the disposal in any way of the assets of such a scheme; and
(vii) generally, all matters reasonably necessary for the regulation and 30 operation of such a scheme;
(l) the resignation or reduction in rank of members; (m) the grading of posts and the remuneration structure,_including allowances or
benefits of members; · (n) the establishment and maintenance of training institutioQs or centres for 35
members and the instruction, training, discipline and control of members at such institutions or centres;
( o) the management of and access to laboratories established for the purposes of the analysis of forensic evidence as well as fees payable for services rendered in that regard; 40
(p) the attendance by members of instructional or training courses at institutions or centres other than those established and maintained in terms of this Act;
(q) the establishment and control of funds of clubs referred to in section 62(3); (r) the deductions to be made from the salaries, wages or allowances of members; (s) the provisioning of the Service, including the provision of stores and 45
equipment required for the Service, and the care, safe custody and maintenance thereof;
(t) the design, award, use, care, loss, forfeiture and restoration of any decoration or medal instituted, constituted or created under this Act, and its bar, clasp or ribbon; 50
(u) the design of an official flag and coat of arms for the Service; (v) the dress and clothing of members, and the control over or disposal of a
uniform or part thereof; (w) the utilisation by the Service of property-
(i) forfeited to the State; 55 (ii) abandoned, lost or taken charge of by a member; or
(iii) unclaimed and found or taken charge of by a member; (x) the retention of rank on retirement from the Service and the award of honorary
ranks; (y) the occupation by members of quarters, whether owned or rented by the State 60
or placed at its disposal;
34 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE. 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRJCAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995
(z) the participation in sport and recreational activities by members; ( aa) the fair distribution of and access to police services and resources in respect of
all communities; · (bb) the command, control, powers, duties and functions of persons, other than
members, employed by the Service;· 5 (cc) the proper functioning of the directorate, including the referral to the
directorate of complaints received by the police; ( dd) any board or body established or constituted by or under this Act, including-
(i) the procedure thereof; and (ii) the attendance by witnesses of the proceedings thereof; I 0
(ee) the development of the plan contemplated in section 11(2)(a) and the monitoring of the implementation thereof;
(jJ) all matters which may or shall be prescribed in accordance with this Act; and (gg) all matters generally which are necessary or expedient for the achievement of
the objects of this Act. 15 (2) Different regulations may be made regarding different categories of members or
personnel. (3) Any regulation under subsection (l)(cc) shall be made in consultation with the
Executive Director. (4) Any regulation which affects State revenue or expenditure shall be made with the 20
concurrence of the Minister of Finance.
National orders and instructions ·
· 25. (I) The National Commissioner may issue national orders and instructions regarding all matters which-
( a) fall within his or her responsibility in terms of the Constitution or this Act; 25 (b) are necessary or expedient to ensure the maintenance of an impartial,
accountable, transparent and efficient police service; or (c) are necessary or expedient to provide for the establishment and maintenance
of uniform standards of policing at all levels required by law. (2) National orders and instructions issued under subsection (I) shall be known and 30
issued as National Orders and Instructions and shall be applicable to all members. (3) The National Commissioner may issue different National Orders and Instructions
in respect of different categories of members.
Provincial orders and instructions
26. (I) Provincial Commissioners may issue orders and instructions which are not 35 inconsistent with this Act or the National Orders and Instructions.
(2) Orders and instructions issued under subsection (I) shall be known and issued as the Provincial Orders and Instructions of the province concerned and shall be applicable to members under the command of the Provincial Commissioner concerned only.
(3) If any Provincial Order or Instruction is inconsistent with a National Order or 40 Instruction, the National Order or Instruction shall prevail.
CHAPTER9
APPOINTMENTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND TERMINA- TION OF SERVICE
Filling of posts 45
27. (I) Subject to subsection (2), the filling of any post in the Service, whether by appointment, promotion or transfer, shall be done in accordance with section 212(4) of the Constitution.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not preclude compliance with measures designed to achieve the objects contemplated in sections 8(3)(a) and 212(2) of the Constitution.. 50
36 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZEllE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995 ·
Recruitment and appointment
28. (I) The National Commissioner shall determine a uniform recruitment procedure for the Service. -
(2) Subject to section 27, the National Commissioner may appoint a person to a post in the fixed establishment of the Service. 5
(3) Any commissioned officer, magistrate, additional magistrate or assistant magistrate may, if sufficient permanent members are not available at a particular locality to perform a specific· police duty, appoint such fit and proper persons as inay be necessary as temporary members to perform such duty on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. - · 10
Designation as member
29. (I) The Minister may by notice in the Gazette designate categories of personnel employed on a permanent basis in the Service and who are not members, as members.
(2) Personnel designated as members under subsection (1), shall be deemed to be members appointed to posts in the fixed establishment of the Service under section 28(2) 15 with effect from a date determined by the Minister in the notice concerned: Provided that a person who is a member of a category of personnel so designated who does not, within one month of such designation, consent thereto and, if applicable, consent as required by section 212(7)(b) of the Constitution, to having the retirement age applicable to him or her on 1 October 1993 changed as a result of such designation, shall not be affected by 20 such notice. ·
Proof of appointment
30. A document in the prescribed form certifying that a person has been appointed as a member, shall be prima facie proof of such appointment.
Salary and benefits 25
• 31. (I) A member shall have the right to the salary and benefits determined in his or her case by or under this Act or anY. other law.
(2) The salary or salary scale of a member shall not be reduced without his or her consent, except in accordance with section 8(7) or following on disciplinary proceedings under section 40 or an inquiry under section 34(i)(b).. 30
Training
32. The National Commissioner shall determine the training that members shall undergo.
Commissioned officers
33. (I) The President may from time to time by commission appoint officers or 35 temporary officers of the Service.
(2) A Deed of Commission, bearing the signatures of the President and the Minister, or replicas thereof, shall be proof of appointment as commissioned officer.
(3) The commission of a commissioned officer shall terminate and be deemed to be cancelled upon- 40
(a) the discharge of such officer following on disciplinary proceedings under section 40 or an inquiry under section 34(l)(b), (c) or (d);
(b) the reduction in rank of such officer to a rank of non-commissioned officer following on disciplinary proceedings under section 40 or an inquiry under section 34(1)(b); 45
(c) a direction by the Minister in terms of subsection (5); or (d) the transfer of such officer to another department under section 14 or 15 of the
Public Service Act, 1994 (Proclamation No. R.103 of 1994). (4) Subject to section 49, a commissioned officer may at any time in writing and, with
or without prior notice, resign from the Service. 50 (5) Any commissioned officer who leaves the Service because of his or her discharge,
retirement or resignation, shall retain the commission and rank he or she held immediately prior to his or her discharge, retirement or resignation, unless the Minister, on the recommendation of the National Commissioner, otherwise directs.
38 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POUCE SERVICE ACf, 1995
Inquiries
34. (I) The National Commissioner may designate a member, a category of members or any other person or category of persons who may, in general or in a specific case, inquire into-
(a) the fitness of a member to remain in the Service on account of indisposition, 5 ill-health, disease or injury;
(b) the fitness or ability of a member to perform his or her duties or to carry them out efficiently;
(c) the fitness of a member to remain in the Service if his or her continued employment constitutes a security risk for the State; I 0
(d) the fitness of a member to remain in the Service in the light of a misrepresentation made by such member regarding a matter in relation to his or her appointment;
(e) the absence of a member from duty without leave for more than one calendar month; 15
(f) an injury alleged to have been sustained by a member or other employee of the Service in an accident arising out of or in the course of his or her duty, or a disease or indisposition alleged to have been contracted in the course of his or her duty, or any subsequent incapacitation alleged to be due to the same injury, disease or indisposition, or an indisposition alleged to have resulted from 20 vaccination in accordance with this Act;
(g) the death of a member or other employee of the Service alleged to have been cau.sed as a result of circumstances referred to in paragraph (f);
(h) the absence from duty of a member or other employee of the Service owing to illness, indisposition or injury alleged to have resulted from misconduct or 25 serious and deliberate failure on his or her part to take reasonable precautions;
(i) the suitability, value and purchase of any property or equipment required for use in the Service or the suitabiliry for further service of any part of property or equipment already in use in the Service;
lj) any deficiency in or damage to or loss of State property or any property in 30 possession of or under the control of the State or a club referred to in section 62(3) or for which the State is responsible, or any property of a member or other employee of the Service which is alleged to have occurred in connection with the performance of his or her duties or functions in the Service, as well as the liability of any person and the desirability to hold any person liable for 35 such deficiency, damage or loss; · ·
(k) any deficiency, loss, damage or expense occasioned to the State or a club referred to in section 62(3) as a result of the conduct of a member or other employee of the Service and any money or unpaid debts due by such member or employee to the State or such club as well as the liability of any person and 40 the desirability to hold any person liable for such deficiency, loss, damage or expense; or
(I) any other matter which the National Commissioner considers to be in the interest of the Service.
(2) The National Commissioner may designate a member, a category of members or 45 any other person or category of persons who may, in general or in a specific case, investigate or lead evidence in an inquiry contemplated in subsection (I).
(3) The Minister may prescribe- ( a) the procedure applicable to an inquiry contemplated in subsection(!); and (b) the circumstances under which such an inquiry may be converted or deemed 50
to have been converted into disciplinary proceedings.
Discharge of members on account of redundancy, interest of Service or appoint- ment to public office
35. The National Commissioner may, subject to the provisions of the Government Service Pension Act, 1973 (Act No. 57 of 1973), discharge a member- 55
(a) because of the abolition of his or her post, or the reduction in the numerical strength, the reorganisation or the readjustment of the Service;
40 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETfE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
(b) if, for reasons other than the unfitness or incapacity of such member, his or her discharge will promote efficiency or economy in the Service, or will otherwise be in the interest of the Service; or
(c). if the President or a Premier appoints him or her in the public interest under any law to an office to which this Act or the Public Service Commission Act, 5 1984 (Act No. 65 of 1984), does not apply.
Discharge on account of sentence imposed
36. (l)·A member who is convicted of an offence and is sentenced to a term of imprisonment without the option ofa fine, shall be deemed to have been discharged from the Service with effect from the date following the date of such sentence: Provided 10 that, if such term of imprisonment is wholly suspended, the member concerned shall not be deemed to have been so discharged.
(2) A person referred to in subsection (1), whose- ( a) conviction is set aside following an appeal or review and is not replaced by a
conviction for another offence; 15 (b)· conviction is set aside on appeal or review, but is replaced by a conviction for
another offence, whether by the court of appeal or review or the court of first instance, and a sentence to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine
. is not imposed upon him or her following on the conviction for such other offence; or 20
(c) ·sentence to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine is set aside following an appeal or review· and is replaced with a sentence other than a sentence to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine,
may, within a period of 30 days after his or her conviction has been set aside or his or her sentence has been replaced by a sentence other. than a sentence to a term of 25 imprisonment without the option of a fine, apply to the National Commissioner to be reinstated as a member. ·
(3) In the event of an application by a person whose conviction has been set aside as contemplated in subsection (2)(a), the National Commissioner shall reinstate such person as a member with effect from the date upon which he or she is deemed to have 30 been so discharged. · . · . . .
(4) Iii the event of any application by a person whose conviction has been set aside or whose sentence has been replaced as contemplated in subsection (2)(b) and (c), the National Commissioner may-
( a) reinstate such. person as a member with effect from the date upon which he or 35 she is deemed to have been so discharged; or ·
(b) cause an inquiry to be instituted in accordance with section 34 into the suitability of reinstating such person as a member.
(5) For the purposes of this section, a sentence to imprisonment until the rising of the court shall not be deemed to be a sentence to imprisonment without the option of a fine. 40
(6) This section shaJl not be construed as precluding any administrative action, investigation or inquiry in terms of any other provision of this Act with respect to the member concerned, and any lawful decision or action taken in consequence thereof.
Discharge of members failing to complete basic training
37. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, but subject to the Constitution, the 45 National Commissioner may, in the absence of an inquiry, discharge from the Service a member who fails to complete his or her basic training successfully within a period of 24 months after his or her appointment in the Service ..
Missing m.embers and employees
38. (1) If a member or other employee of the Service is reported missing, such 50 member or employee shall for all purposes l)e deemed to be still employed by the Service until- ·
(a) the National or Provincial Commissioner otherwise determines;
42 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
(b) he or she again reports for duty; or (c) a competent court issues an order whereby the death of such member or
employee is presumed. (2) The salary or wages and allowances accruing to a member or employee during his
or her absence contemplated in subsection (I) shall, subject to subsection (4), be paid- 5 (a) to his or her spouse; or (b) if he or she has no spouse, to his or her dependants; or (c) to any other person who, in the opinion of the Commissioner concerned, is
competent to receive and administer such salary or wages and allowances on behalf of the member or employee or his or her spouse or such other I 0 dependants.
(3) Payment of any salary or wages and allowances in terms of subsection (2) shall for all purposes be deemed to be payment thereof to the member or employee concerned.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the National or Provincial Commissioner may from time to time direct that only a portion of the salary or wages and allowances of a 15 member or employee be paid in terms of the said subsection or that no portion thereof be so paid.
Secondment of members
39. ( 1) The services of a member may be placed at the disposal. of any other department of State or any authority established by or under any law. 20
(2) If a member is seconded under subsection (1), such member shall be deemed to be serving in the Service and shall retain all powers and privileges as a member, subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon by the National Commissioner and the department of State or authority concerned.
(3) A member seconded under subsection (1) shall, in the performance of his or her 25 functions, act in terms of the laws applicable to the department of State or authority to which he or she is seconded, subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon by the National Commissioner and the department of State or authority concerned.
(4) The National Commissioner shall determine uniform standards and procedures regarding the secondment of members. 30
Disciplinary proceedings
40. Disciplinary proceedings may be instituted in the prescribed manner against a member on account of misconduct, whether such misconduct was committed within or outside the borders of the Republic.
Strikes
41. (I) No member shall.strike, induce any other member to strike or conspire with another person to strike. . .
(2) If the National or Provincial Commissioner has reason io believe that a member is striking or conspiring with another person to strike, the Commissioner concerned may,
35
in a manner which is reasonable in the circumstances, issue an ultimatum to the member 40 concerned to terminate or desist from carrying out such conduct within the period specified in such ultimatum. . •
(3) In the event that the member refuses or fails to comply with the ultimatum referred to in subsection (2), or if the National or Provincial Commissioner could not reasonably be expected to issue such an ultimatum to a member personally, the Commissioner 45 concerned may, without a hearing, summarily discharge such member from the Service: Provided that- · .
(a) such member shall as soon as practicable after the date of such discharge, be notified in writing of such ·discharge and the reasons therefor;
(b) such member may, within 30 days after the date of receipt of such notice, 50 make written representations to the Minister regarding the revocation of the discharge; and
(c) the Minister may, after having considered any representations, reinstate such member from the date of such discharge.
(4) A discharge from the Service under subsection (3) shall not be invalid solely by 55 reason of such member not receiving notice of the ultimatum referred to in subsection (2).
44 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
Conduct sheets
42. (I) The National or Provincial Commissioner shall cause a conduct sheet to be maintained in respect of every member under his or her command.
(2) The National Commissioner shall determine the manner and form in which conduct sheets shall be maintained and when entries recorded thereon may be deleted. 5
Suspension while in detention or imprisoned : . . - . .
43. (I) Subject to section 36, a member who is in detention or is serving a term of , imprisonment shall be deemed to be suspended from the Service for the period during which he or she is so detained or is serving such term orimprisonment. ·
(2) A member referred to in subsection (I) shall, unless the National or Provincial 10 Commissioner otherwise directs, not be entitled for the applicable period to any salary, wages, allowances, privileges or benefits to which he or she would otherwise be entitled as a member.
(3) Where a member- (a) is detained pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against him or her 15
and such member is subsequently found not guilty on all charges or is convicted but such conviction is subsequently set aside; or
(b) serves a term of imprisonment which is subsequently set aside, such member may make representations to the National or Provincial Commissioner that any salary, wages, allowances, privileges or benefits forfeited by him or her under 20 subsection (2), be restored to him or her. •
(4) The National or Provincial Commissioner may, in the circumstances contemplated in subsection (3), mero motu or after consideration of any representations received from a member, determine that any forfeited salary, wages, allowances, privileges or benefits be restored to such member. 25
Rewards and recognitions
44. (I) The National or Provincial Commissioner may, after consultation with the Minister or member of the Executive Council, make an appropriate award to any member or other person for meritorious service in the interest of the Service.
(2) The President may institute, constitute and create decorations and medals, as well 30 as bars, clasps and ribbons in respect of such decorations and medals, which may be awarded by the President, the Minister or the member of the Executive Council, subject to such conditions as the President may determine, to any member or other person who has rendered exceptional service to the Service.
Retirement
45. (I~ (a) Subject to subsection (7), a member may retire from the Service, and shall be so retired on the date when he or she attains the age of 60 years.
(b) If a member attains the age of 60 years after the first day of the month, he or she shall be deemed to have attained it on the first day of the following month.
35
(2) A member who is at least 50 years of age may, at any time before attaining the age 40 of 60 years, give written notification to the Minister of his or her wish to retire from the Service, and shall be allowed so to retire if a sufficient reason therefor exists and the retirement will be to the advantage of the Service.
(3) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), a member who in terms of section 212(7)(b) of the Constitution or any other law has the right to retire at an earlier age than that 45 contemplated in subsection (I)( a), shall give written notification to the National Commissioner of his or her wish to be so retired and he or she shall-
(i) if that notification is given to the National Commissioner at least three calendar months prior to the date on which he or she attains the retirement age applicable to him or her, be so retired on the date on which he or she attains 50 that age or, if he or she attains it after the first day of the month, on the first day of the following month; or .
· (ii) if that notification is not given to the National Commissioner at least three calendar months prior to the date on which he or she attains the said age, be so retired on the first day of the fourth month after the month in which the 55 notification is received.
46 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POUCE SERVICE ACf, 1995
(b)(i) Subject to subsection (4), the National or Provincial Comntissioner shall give written notification of his or her wish to be retired from the Service at least six calendar months prior to the date on which he or she attains the retirement age applicable to him or her, and if he or she has so given notification, paragraph (a)(i) shall apply mutatis mutandis. 5
(ii) If the National or Provincial Commissioner has not given written notification at least six calendar months prior to the date on which he or she attains the said age, he or she shall be so retired on the first day of the seventh month following the month in which that notification is received.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the National or Provincial 10 Commissioner may retire from the Service and he or she shall be so retired at the expiry of the term contemplated in section 7, or imy extended term contemplated in that section, as the case may be, and he or she shall be deemed to have been so retired in terms of section 35(a). · · ·
(5) Subject to subsections (I) and (3)(b)- 15 (a) the President may at the request of the National Commissioner allow him or
· her to retire from the Service before the expiry of the term contemplated in section 7 or any extended term contemplated in that section if a reason exists which the President deems sufficient; and
(b) the National Commissioner may at the request of the Provincial Commis- 20 sioner allow him or her to retire from the Service before the expiry of the term contemplated in section 7 or any extended term contemplated in that section if a reason exists which the National Comntissioner deems sufficient.
(6) If the National or Provincial Commissioner is allowed to retire under subsection (5), he or she shall be deemed to have been retired in terms of subsection (2), and shall 25 be entitled to such pension as he or she would have been entitled to if he or she had retired from the Service under the latter subsection.
(7)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (l)(a), a member may be retained, with his or her consent, in his or her post beyond the age of 60 years with the approval of the Minister or member of the Executive Council for further periods which 30 shall not, except with the approval by resolution of Parliament, exceed the aggregate of five years. . .
(b) A member shall only be retained under paragraph (a) if it is- (i) reasonable; and
(ii) in the interest of the Service; or 35 (iii) generally in the public interest.
(8) Pension benefits shall be paid to a retired member by the institution responsible for the administration of the pension fund to which that member was a contributor, subject to any law regulating the payment of such benefits.
(9) A benefit payable by the Service in terms of any law shall be paid to the person 40 entitled to such benefit within a period of 90 days after the date on which the National Comntissioner received the written notification of such member's termination of service, for any reason, in such a form and with such documents as the National Commissioner may determine for the purposes of this section or, if he or she receives such notification and documents 90 days before the date on which a benefit is payable 45 to the person concerned in terms of such law, on the date on which such benefit is so payable.
(10) Nothing in this section contained shall be construed as derogating from section 212(7) of the Constitution.
Political activities of members
46. (I) No member shall- ( a) publicly display or express support for or associate himself or herself with a
political party, organisation, movement or body; (b) hold any post or office in a political party, organisation, movement or body;
50
(c) wear any insignia or identification mark in respect of any political party, S5 organisation, movement or body; or .
(d) in any other marmer further or prejudice party-political interests. (2) Subsection (I) shall not be construed as prohibiting a member from-
( a) joining a political party, organisation, movement or body of his or her choice;
48 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995
(b) attending a meeting of a political party, organisation, movement or body: Provided that no member shall attend such a meeting in uniform; or
(c) exercising his or her right to vote.
·'. Obedience
47. (I) Subject to subsection (2), a member shall obey any order or instruction given 5 to him or her by a superior or a person who is competent to do so: Provided that a member shall not obey a patently unlawful order or instruction . . (2) Where it is reasonable in the circumstances, a member may demand that an order
or instruction referred to in subsection (I) be recorded in writing before obeying it. (3) A member may, after having obeyed an order or instruction referred to in 10
subsection (1), demand that such an order or instruction be recorded in writing._
Reserve Police Service
48. (I) The National Commissi~ner may determine the requirements for recruitment, resignation, training, ranks, promotion, duties and nature of service, discipline, uniform, equipment and conditions of service of members of the Reserve Police Service and any 15 other matter which he or she deems necessary in order to establish and maintain different categories of members of the Reserve Police Service. .
(2) The National Commissioner may appoint a person as a member of the Reserve in the prescribed manner.. . . . . . ' . . . ·. .
(3) The National or Provincial Commissioner may in the prescribed manner order any 20 member of the Reserve to report for service, and any· such member who refuses or fails to comply with such order shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months: Provided that the Minister may by regulation exclude categories of members of the Reserve from the application of this subsection. · · · 25
(4) The National or Pro~incial Commissioner may, subject to the Constitution, at any time discharge a member of the Reserve from the Service.
(5) During a period contemplated in section 49, the National or Provincial Commissioner may refuse to accept the resignation of a member of the Reserve, unless he or she produces evidence that he or she has enlisted for military serviCe in a 30 recognised unit of the South African National Defence Force. ·
(6)Amemberofthe Reserve shall be deemed to be in the employ of the Service while on duty, notwithstanding the fact that such member may not be remunerated by the Service. · · ·
Limitation on rlght to resign
49. (1) No member may, during a period in which a state of national defence, declared under section 82( 4 )(b )(i) of the Constitution, or a state of emergency, proclaimed in accordance with section 34(1) of the Constitution,· is in force, resign from the Service without the written permission of the National Commissioner .
35
(2) The National Commissioner may, in circumstances other than those mentioned in 40 subsection ( 1 ), where the maintenance of public order in the Republic or any part thereof so requires, order that no member may resign from the Service without his or her written permission during a period of time· specified in the order, which period may not exceed 30 days. ·
CHAPTERlO ' 45
INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS DIRECTORATE
Eslablishment and independence
50.(!)( a) The Independent Complaints Directorate, which shall be structured at both national and provincial levels, is hereby established.
(b) The date on which the provincial structures of the directorate will come into 50 operation, shall be determined by the Executive Director in consultation with the Minister.
(2) The directorate shall function independently from the Service.·· (3) (a) No organ of state and no member or employee of an organ of state nor any
50 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE. 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTII AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
other person shall interfere with the Executive Director or a member of the personnel of the directorate in the exercise and performance of his or her powers and functions.
(b) Any person who wilfully interferes with the Executive Director or a member of the personnel of the directorate in the exercise or performance of his or her powers or functions, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to 5 imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
(4) All organs of state shall accord such assistance as may be reasonably required for the protection of the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the directorate in the exercise and performance of its powers and functions.
Appointment of Executive Director I 0
51. (I) The Minister shall nominate a suitably qualified person for appointment to the office of Executive Director to head the directorate in accordance with a procedure to be determined by the Minister in consultation with the Parliamentary Committees.
(2) The Parliamentary Committees shall, within a period of 30 parliamentary working days of the nomination in terms of subsection (I), confirm or reject such nomination. 15
(3) In the event of the nomination being confirmed- ( a) such person shall be appointed to the office of Executive Director subject to
·the laws governing the public service with effect from a date agreed upon by such person and the Minister; and
(b) such appointment shall be for a period not exceeding five years: Provided that 20 such person shall be eligible for consecutive appointments in accordance with this section. · ·
(4) The Executive Director may be removed from his or her office under the circumstances and in the manner prescribed by the Minister in consultation with the Parliamentary Committees. 25
Personnel and expenditure
52. (I) The personn'el of the directorate shall consist of persons appointed by the Executive Director in consultation with the Minister subject to the laws governing the public service and such other persons as may be seconded or transferred to the directorate. · 30
(2) The terms and conditions of service of the personnel of the directorate shall be determined by the Minister in consultation with the Executive Director and the Public Service Commission.
(3) The functions of the directorate shall be funded by money appropriated by Parliament for that purpose. 35
( 4) The Executive Director shall, subject to the Exchequer Act, 1975 (Act No. 66 of 1975}- .
(a) be the accounting officer charged with the responsibility of accounting for all money appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the directorate and the utilisation thereof; and 40
(b) cause the necessary accounting and other related records to be kept.
Functions of directorate
53. (1) (a) The principal function of the directorate shall be the achievement of the object contemplated in section 222 of the Constitution. · · · ·
(b) The Executive Director shall be responsible for- 45 (i) the performance of the functions of the directorate; and
(ii) the management and administration of the directorate. (2) In order to achieve its object, the directorate-
( a) may mero motu or upon receipt of a complaint, investigate any misconduct or offence allegedly committed by any member, and may, where appropriate, 50 refer such investigation to the Commissioner concerned; ·
(b) shall mero motu or upon receipt of a complaint, investigate any death in police custody or as a result of police action; and
(c) may investigate any matter referred to the directorate by the Minister or the member of the Executive Council. 55
(3) (a) The Minister may, upon the request of and in consultation with the Executive Director, authorise those members of the personnel of the directorate identified by the
52 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995
Executive Director, to exercise those powers and perform those duties conferred on or assigned to any member by or under this Act or any other law.
(b) The members of the personnel referred to in paragraph (a) shall have such immunities and privileges as may be conferred by law on a member in order to ensure the independent and effective exercise and performance of their powers and duties. . . . 5
( 4) A document, in the prescribed form, certifying that a person is a member of the personnel of the directorate and has been authorised to exercise the powers and perform the duties of a member, shall be prima facie proof that such member has been authorised as contemplated in subsection (3): . . .
(5) Any member of the personnel of the directorate who wilfully discloses any I 0 infoi:mation in circumstances in which he or she ktiows or could reasonably be expected to know that such disclosure would or may prejudicially affect the performance by the directorate or the Service of its functions, shall be guilty of an offence and liable ,on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
(6) The Executive Director may- •' 15 (a) at any time withdraw any referral made under subsection (2)(a); (b) . request and obtain information from any Commissioner or police official as
may be necessary for conducting any investigation; (c) (i) monitor the progress of;
(ii) set guidelines regarding; and 20 (iii) request and obtain information regarding, , an investigation referred to a Commissioner under subsection (2)(a);
(d) request and obtain the co-operation of any member as may be necessary to achieve the object of the directorate; ..
(e) commence an investigation on any matter notwithstanding the fact that an 25 investigation regarding the same matter has been referred under subsection (2)(a), is pending or has been closed by the Service, or the docket regarding the matter has been submitted to the attorney-general for decision: Provided that in the case of a- (i) referred or pending investigation, the directorate shall act after consul- 30
tation with the member heading the investigation; or · · · (ii) docket regarding a matter having been submitted to the attorney-general
· for decision, the directorate shall act in consultation with the attorney- general; · · . · ·
(f).· request and obtain information from the attorney-general's office in so far as 35 . it may be necessary for the directorate to conduct an investigation: Provided · that the attorney-general may on reasonable grounds refuse to accede to such
request; (g) submit the results of an investigation to the attorney-general for his. or her
decision; ; · 40 (h) in consultation with the Minister and with the concurrence of the Minister of
Finance, obtain the necessary resources and logistical support or engage the services of experts, or other suitable persons, to enable the directorate to achieve its object; ·
(i) · make recommendations to the Commissioner concerned; . 45 (j) make any recommendation to the Minister or a member of the Executive
Council which he or she deems necessary regarding any matter investigated by the directorate or relating to the performance of the directorate's functions: Provided that in the event of a recommendation made to a member of the Executive Council, a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Minister; and 50
(k) subject to the Exchequer Act, 1975 (Act No. 66 of 1975), delegate any of his or her powers to any member of the personnel of the directorate.
(7) The Executive Director shall, in consultation with the Minister, issue instructions to be complied with by the directorate which shall inter alia include instructions regarding- · · · . · · . · . · · 55
· (a) the lodging, receiving and pmcessing of complaints; (b) recording and safe-guarding of information and evidence; (c) disclosure of information; . (d) the making of findings and recommendations; and
54 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZEITE, 4 OCTOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SO!ITH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACT, 1995
(e) all matters incidental to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d). (8) The National or Provincial Commissioner shall notify the directorate of all cases
of death in police custody or as a result of police action. (9) The Minister may prescribe procedures regarding-
. (a) protecting the identity and integrity of complainants; and 5 ·(b)· witness protection programmes.
Reporting
54. The Executive Director shall-, .. (a) within three months after the end of each financial year, submit to the Minister
a written report on the activities of the directorate during that financial year, 10 , which report shall be tabled in Parliament by the Minister within 14 days after receipt thereof or, if Parliament is not then in session, within 14 days after the commencement of the next ensuing session; and ·'
(b) at any time when requested to do so by the Minister or either. the Parliamentary Committees, submit a report on the activities of the directorate 15
.. to the Minister or that Committee. ·
CHAPTER 11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
·Non-liability for acts under irregular warrant
55. (1) Any member who acts under a warrant or process which is bad in law on 20 account of a defect in the substance or form thereof shall, if he or she has no knowledge that such warrant or process is bad in law and whether or not such defect is apparent on the face of the warrant or process, be exempt from liability in respect of such act as if the warrant or process were valid in law.
(2)(a)Any member who is authorised to arrest a person under a warrant of arrest and 25 who, in the reasonable belief that he or she is arresting such person arrests another, shall be exempt from liability in respect of such wrongful arrest .
. (b) Any member who is called upon to assist in making an arrest as contemplated in paragraph (a) or who is required to detain a person so arrested, and who reasonably believes that the said person is the person whose arrest has been authorised by the 30 warrant of arrest, shall likewise be exempt from liability in respect of such assistance or detention.
Limitation of liability of State and members
56. Whenever any person is conveyed in or makes use of any vehicle, aircraft or vessel, being the property or under the control of the State in the Service, the State or any 35 member shall not be liable to such person or his or her spouse, parent, child or other dependant for any loss or damage resulting from any bodily injury, loss of life or loss of or damage to property caused by or arising out of or in any way connected with the conveyance in or the use of such vehicle, aircraft or vessel; unless such person is so conveyed or makes use thereof in or in the interest of the performance of the functions 40 of the State: Provided that the provisions of this section shall not affect the liability of a member who wilfully causes the said loss or damage. ·
'· Actions against Service
57. (1) No legal proceedings shall be instituted against the Service or any body or person in respect of any alleged act performed under or in terms of this Act or any other 45 law, or an alleged failure to do anything which should have been done in terms of this Act or any other law, unless the legal proceedings are instituted before the expiry of a period of 12 calendar months after the date upon which the claimant became aware of
56 No. 16731 GOVERNMENT GAZETIE, 4 OCfOBER 1995
Act No. 68, 1995 SO UTI! AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACf, 1995
the alleged act or omission, or after the date upon which the claimant might be reasonably expected to have become aware of the alleged act or omission, whichever is the earlier date.
(2) No legal proceedings contemplated in subsection (I) shall be instituted before the expiry of at least one calendar month after written notification of the intention to · 5 institute such proceedings, has been served on the defendant, wherein particulars of the alleged act or omission are contained.
(3) If any notice contemplated in subsection (2) is given to the National Commissioner or to the Provincial Commissioner of the province in which the cause of action arose, it shall be deemed to be notification to the defendant concerned. I 0
( 4) Any process by which any proceedings contemplated in subsection (I) is instituted and in which the Minister is the defendant or respondent, may be served on the National ' or Provincial Commissioner referred to in subsection (3).
(5) Subsections (I) and (2) shall not be construed as precluding a court of law from dispensing with the requirements or prohibitions contained in those subsections where 15 the interests of justice so require. . '··
Salary or allowance not to be assigned or attached
58. No member shall, without the ·approval of • the National or ·Provincial Commissioner, assign the whole or any part of any salary, wages or allowance payable to him or her under this Act, nor shall the whole or any part of any such salary, wages or 20 allowance be capable of being seized or attached under or in consequence of any judgment or order of any court of law, other than a garnishee order.
Prohibition on certain dealings
59. (I) No member shall, without the permission of the person underwhosecommimd he or she serves, lend any means of transport or equipment which he or she is required 25 to keep and ·possess, or sell,' pledge or otherwise dispose of any such property, irrespective of whether it is the property of the State or his or her own property. ·'
(2) Every sale, pledge; loan or other disposition of any property contrary to subsection (!),'shall be null and void.: · · · ' ·
• • f •
Property of Service not liable to seizure or attachment . . . i '
60. Property which in terms