The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa notes and welcomes the decision of the Constitutional Court which dismissed Frederick Barend Van Der Vywer’s claim against the State. 

The Constitutional Court considered the application for leave to appeal and concluded that the application should be dismissed as it bore no prospects of success.  The effect of the order is that SAPS is not liable for any damages suffered as a result of Van der Vyver’s arrest and prosecution.  The matter is therefore finalised.
Van der Vywer had been charged with the murder of a young woman, Ms Inge Lotz on 16 March 2005, but was acquitted. He decided to claim damages to the tune of R30 million against the Minister of Police.  The Constitutional Court’s judgement once again, vindicates the SAPS, as did the High Court which had previously dismissed the appeal. 

“Our concerted efforts to capacitate the investigative framework of the police are ongoing.  I have publicly emphasized that whilst police arrest suspects daily, going forward their success should be measured according to the number of successful convictions they attain.  The harsher sentences imposed upon criminals must be influenced by the kind of detective work conducted by police.  To achieve this, focused attention is now around the SAPS human resource development; from recruitment to retirement,” stated the Minister. 

Zweli Mnisi
Chief Director: Communications/Spokesperson
Ministry of Police
Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)12 393 4341 & +27 (0)21 467 7007
Fax: +27 (0)12 393 2833 & +27 (0)21 467 7033
Mobile: +27 (0)82 045 4024

Website: www.saps.gov.za