The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has noted and considered the judgment of the Constitutional Court on the Commission of Inquiry into policing in Khayelitsha, Western Cape in which his appeal was unsuccessful. The judgement of the Constitutional Court confirmed that the Premier of a province has the power to establish a commission of enquiry into policing with coercive powers to subpoena the police to testify and to produce documents at such an enquiry.

We need to emphasize that the Minister instituted the review proceedings to the Constitutional Court on legitimate grounds that an investigation of criminal conduct as a primary task by a Commission of Inquiry, were inherently undesirable as they had potential to blur functions of the Executive and the police.

He was also concerned about the impact which these powers may have on the control by the National Commissioner of Police, over the police. The judgement has provided that clarity.

The Minister respects and accepts the judgement.

For enquiries, please contact:

Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police 082 045 4024