The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has launched its Restore Dignity March in Pretoria, demanding urgent intervention to address systemic injustices, bullying, and sexual harassment within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Correctional Services.
The march comes in response to growing allegations of abuse of power, particularly against trainees by senior officers. The union highlighted a recent case where a 60-year-old police captain was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a 20-year-old trainee at the Pretoria West Police Academy.
Key Demands
POPCRU spokesperson Richard Mamabolo outlined the union’s demands, which include:
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Thorough vetting of trainers before deployment to academies.
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A 24-hour anonymous hotline for SAPS and Correctional Services members to report abuse.
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An independent investigative body to handle complaints, as current internal processes allegedly protect perpetrators.
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Immediate action from National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to address deteriorating training standards and unresolved harassment cases.
Mamabolo revealed that POPCRU has received numerous anonymous complaints from officers nationwide, with some cases dragging on for over four years without resolution.
Calls for Systemic Change
The union argues that senior officers often shield each other, leaving victims vulnerable to further victimization. “Juniors cannot be abused,” Mamabolo stated, emphasizing the need for confidential reporting channels and accountability.
POPCRU also criticized Lieutenant General Zulu, the divisional commissioner for training, alleging that under his leadership, training institutions have seen a decline in integrity, with sexual harassment cases going unaddressed.
Next Steps
The union plans to submit a memorandum to the National Police Commissioner, urging immediate reforms. “We need an independent body to investigate these cases—police cannot be referees and players at the same time,” Mamabolo said.
As the march unfolds, POPCRU vows to continue its campaign until meaningful changes are implemented to protect workers’ dignity and restore trust in South Africa’s criminal justice sector.
