Police management style contributes to suicide - FF+

The Freedom Front Plus says the management style of the Police Service is causing psychiatric problems among members of the service, which has led to an increase in suicides. The party has sent a complaint to the Independent Complaints Directorate about the suicides of police officers, particularly in North West, but also nationwide. FF Plus MP Pieter Groenewald says the complaint arises from the unwillingness and inability of Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula to allow an investigation to be undertaken into the suicides. Groenewalt says police members have improper workloads, experience discrimination, and are being victimised.

Meanwhile… Nqakula has left for Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi to consult with all the role players to revive the peace process in Burundi. President Thabo Mbeki appointed Nqakula as a mediator for Burundi’s peace process at the weekend, following a request by the leadership of the East African region of the African Union for South Africa to continue with mediation efforts there. He takes over the role from former deputy president Jacob Zuma. Despite a peace deal struck in 2003, the NFL rebel group has not yet joined the peace process.

The DA has reacted to Nqakula’s appointment by saying he should focus on his duty to protect South Africans from the scourge of crime instead of getting involved in international affairs. DA spokesperson Roy Jankielsohn says the SAPS already has one of its three leading members having to divert his attention to issues other than local crime, as Commissioner Jackie Selebi was appointed as President to the Executive Committee of Interpol. He says while Nqakula’s selection as facilitator is an honour, it means that he cannot pay full attention to the worsening crime situation in South Africa.