Establishment of an Independent Complaints Directorate in South Africa

Abstract

In April 1997 the South African Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) commenced operations. Its functions are: (a) to investigate complaints in respect of allegations of criminal conduct or misconduct committed by members of the police service; (b) to investigate complaints lodged by a provincial executive concerning any alleged misconduct of, or offence committed by, a member of the police service; (c) to investigate any matter referred to it by the Minister of Safety and Security or any member of die Executive Council. The ICD is under a statutory duty to investigate all occurrences of deadis in police custody or as a result of police action. The South African Police Service is obliged to report such deaths to the ICD, provide it with information and co-operate with it. Its contact details are as follows: Independent Complaints Directorate, Private Bag X941 Pretoria 0001, South Africa. Tel: (27) 12 325 4242, Fax: (27) 12 325 4246.