Public Comment on the IPID Amendment Bill

The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, CSP, has called on the public to submit comments on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill. The IPID Amendment Bill of 2022 proposes the entrenchment of the institutional and operational independence of IPID, making it clear that IPID must be impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice. The amendment was influenced by the Constitutional Court judgement which declared certain provisions of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act as invalid. The provisions authorised the Minister of Police to suspend the Executive Director or institute disciplinary steps against the Executive Director following suspension, and or to remove the Executive Director from office. 

The Amendment Bill also proposes a more transparent and open process for the appointment of the Executive Director and including a detailed and thorough process for integrity testing of IPID officials. 

The Bill further provides for the amendment of other provisions of the Principal Act, so as to ensure that IPID executes its mandate effectively and efficiently. 

The draft Bill is found at the CSP website, www.policesecretariat.gov.za

Comments can be submitted on or before 15 January 2022. They can be submitted via email to comments.IpidBill@csp.gov.za or via post for attention of Mr. M Ntwana at Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Private Bag X922, Pretoria, 0001. 

Comments can also be hand-delivered at the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Fedsure Forum Building, 2nd Floor, Corner of Pretorius and Lilian Ngoyi Streets, Pretoria.