An independent investigation into the Jeppestown shooting is the only way to restore confidence in the police, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday.
DA spokesperson on safety and security Roy Jankielsohn said an investigation should look at who ordered the police into a situation in which they were ”outgunned and outmanned” by armed criminals, and why.
He said the investigation should look at ”the failure of police intelligence” to forewarn officers of the danger.
”The task team should be mandated to investigate whether ex-soldiers from other African countries are systematically perpetrating violent crime in South Africa,” Jankielsohn said.
He made the statement at the same time that Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula met senior police officers to discuss a recent spate of police killings and incidents of violent crime.
Jankielsohn said Nqakula should set up an independent investigation task team consisting of experts from civil society, such as the Institute for Security Studies and other such organisations.
The inquiry should also be broadened to include ”failures” of the minister and the police commissioner to adequately resource and equip the police.
The shortage of police personnel, the quality their training and the reasons for the conviction rate of about 8% of reported cases of serious and violent crime should be considered.
”Such an inquiry is the only way that Minister Nqakula can achieve his stated aim of bringing ‘a sense of confidence in our people regarding policing in this country’,” Jankielsohn said. — Sapa