Stern warning from SAPS in Northern Cape
· The South African
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a warning to residents and groups in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
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This is according to a post on their official Facebook page.
They wish to address apparent reports of individuals and groups who are unlawfully approaching members of the public and demanding to inspect their identity documents.
Reportedly, these groups are acting, “under the guise of addressing illegal immigration.”
Who may request and verify identity documents?
This most recent statement repeats that the average citizen cannot ask people on the street to verify their identity. This is regardless of whether they are expected to be an illegal immigrant.
Such acts have risen as a result of the recent 30 June protests in South Africa.
According to SAPS, “only duly authorised law enforcement officials, acting within the confines of the law, may request and verify identity documents during the execution of their official duties.”
This is confirmed in Section 41 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
People of the public who do not have such authorisation cannot approach other members of the public.
SAPS also says that people should not allow anyone without due authority who approaches them to intimidate them into producing and verifying their identity.
“Members of the public are cautioned not to be intimidated by persons who have no legal authority to conduct such inspections.”
Anti-illegal immigration and ID verification
The SAPS statement on the Northern Cape is another reminder that citizens should not take the law into their own hands.
They must instead inform SAPS of suspicious or illegal activity.
People should inform SAPS at their nearest police station. They can also do it by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
The role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs)
In their statement, SAPS acknowledges the role of Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in South Africa.
SAPS stated that CPFs are “encouraged to continue working in partnership with SAPS by supporting community engagement initiatives, promoting respect for the rule of law, and assisting in educating communities on lawful crime prevention measures.”
But CPFs should not overstep the limits of their power.