Public Interest SA has raised the alarm over low arrest rates in reported shooting cases in Gauteng, despite an increase in gun violence.
This comes after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed in the legislature that at least 609 arrests, about 21%, had been made in connection with 2,802 shooting incidents in the province, while 425 cases had been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.
Lesufi cited the unavailability of witnesses and delays in receiving forensic evidence.
Tebogo Klass, Chairperson of Public Interest SA, argued that this was one of the factors that had given law enforcement a reputation for being untrustworthy.
He explained that the lack of witness protection and the programme’s overall dysfunction did not encourage individuals to come forward.
“It’s the responsibility of the police to ensure that witnesses are protected, but unfortunately, this is not the case.
“It’s very easy to say people must avail themselves of the court, but we must also consider the fact that once they expose themselves, there will be no protection at all.”
He added that lengthy forensic analysis processes had allowed several people to avoid prosecution.
“The backlog is also created by the Forensic Science Laboratory, which actually processes ballistics and makes sure that the cases are prosecution-ready.”
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Klass emphasised that police needed to take responsibility and improve the framework to ensure witnesses felt safe coming forward.
“The whole framework needs to be improved to make sure that employees get to improve. Because I cannot believe that community wouldn’t want to speak out if they know that somebody has done something wrong, but it is a reality.”
Chante Ho Hip
www.ewn.co.za
