Confronting police violence in South Africa: a call for accountability

It is vital to oppose police violence in all its forms actively. In South Africa, the police force has faced considerable criticism for its harsh treatment of individuals, particularly innocent citizens, both in recent times and over the past decade.

The South African Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live free from illegitimate violence and intimidation. However, when those entrusted with maintaining safety and security engage in acts of brutality and violence, it undermines the very values and principles that the institution is meant to uphold. It becomes vital to oppose police violence in all its forms actively.

In South Africa, the police force has faced considerable criticism for its harsh treatment of individuals, particularly innocent citizens, both in recent times and over the past decade.

The South African Constitution fundamentally guarantees every citizen the right to live free from illegitimate violence and intimidation. However, when those entrusted with maintaining safety and security engage in acts of brutality and violence, it undermines the very values and principles that the institution is meant to uphold.

Allow me to explore the potential causes of violent behaviour among police officers (which is in no way justified). High-stress levels and burnout within the South African Police Service (SAPS) are serious concerns that can contribute to heightened aggression during their duties. Research indicates that numerous factors play a role in the stress and burnout experienced by these officers.

A notable challenge faced by officers is the significant workload they encounter daily. Many are tasked with overseeing large areas, while also managing multiple cases, which can place immense pressure on them. This continuous demand may lead to both physical and emotional exhaustion, ultimately compromising their ability to perform effectively and, in some instances, provoking violent behaviour. I would like to emphasise that such reactions should neither be condoned nor accepted in a society that upholds sound democratic principles.

Additionally, inadequate resources, including insufficient manpower and outdated equipment, might exacerbate the challenges officers encounter. The absence of the necessary tools or support to carry out their responsibilities might lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness, further contributing to their stress levels and sometimes a loss of rationality, resulting in violent behaviour.

A further factor contributing to violent behaviour might be attributed to frequent exposure to violent and traumatic incidents, which could significantly contribute to the psychological strain experienced by officers. Repeated encounters with crime and violence can result in cumulative trauma, complicating their ability to manage emotions and reactions effectively. This persistent exposure may lead to heightened irritability and aggressive behaviour, impacting both their interactions with suspects and their personal lives.

Comprehending the impact of frequent exposure to violence and fostering a warm and supportive environment for these officers could help mitigate some instances of brutality. It is essential not to indiscriminately criticise all SAPS officers when only a small number are accountable for the brutality we observe. This overarching criticism will not augur well for the morale of the officers. However, those responsible for brutality must be held accountable.

Nonetheless, these factors create a challenging environment for SAPS officers, highlighting the urgent need for improved support systems and resources to address their mental health and well-being to traumatic situations. Perhaps it is critical for SAPS management to interrogate these factors insightfully so that they, too, take accountability for the brutality. Recognising these factors is crucial for enhancing the well-being of police personnel and ensuring the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Furthermore, policing is known to be a particularly demanding job. Recent studies aim to create tools that the SAPS can use to measure how often officers experience stress and how intense that stress is. These studies also examine how stress levels differ among officers based on race, rank, and gender. These demographic differences feed into the police brutality narrative. Hence detailed studies should be undertaken by SAPS to determine the causes of police brutality according to race, rank and gender for meaningful intervention.

Since the end of apartheid, there have been reports indicating a drop in police brutality in South Africa. However, issues with excessive force by police still exist. The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) was set up to help hold officers accountable for their actions. Ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure police follow proper conduct in their duties.

Several reasons contribute to continued police brutality. For example, the increasing number of police officers being killed by criminals and pressure from higher authorities to use excessive force can lead to these actions. The legacy of apartheid has also left its mark, with excessive force becoming somewhat normalised in the police force's approach. While cases of brutality may have decreased since the apartheid era, there are still concerns about the behaviour of some officers.

Statements from various ministers have sometimes made it harder to improve police behaviour, as they appear to support inappropriate practices among officers. Current data shows that deaths due to police actions have only dropped by 10% compared to the previous year. Still, this figure may not be entirely reliable since not all incidents of police brutality are officially recorded. Officers may feel they need to use excessive force to do their jobs effectively, and some may believe they are above the law rather than working to uphold it.

There is also a belief that the state allows police to use force to prevent crime. This viewpoint suggests that if officers show significant force, it could instil fear in the public, encouraging respect for authority and contributing to a sense of safety in society.

Additionally, danger is a standard part of life in South Africa, with annual statistics showing a high level of violence. While senior police officers may not face the same level of danger as those on the front lines, they are responsible for creating strategies that protect their teams. This understanding can lead to decisions that favour aggressive policing methods to keep officers safe and maintain control in risky situations.

Professor Nirmala Gopal is an academic leader: School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

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