Excessive Use of Force by South African Police

Strategic Insights -

A study by Ignacio Cano, international policing expert, found that the ratio of civilians killed by police to police killed on duty in South Africa is about 13 to one, a cause for concern. This ratio may indicate excessive use of force, exceeding the threshold of proportionate and acceptable levels of force when compared to the dangers faced by police officers. The study analyzed a sample of case data from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and revealed alarming instances of killing, including seven deaths attributed to alleged torture by police and 20 killings that occurred when police fired warning shots.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ratio of civilians killed by police to police killed on duty in South Africa is about 13 to one, indicating excessive use of force.
  • 390 people were killed by police officers using their firearms in the 2017/18 financial year.
  • Most killings occurred in confrontations between police and criminal suspects, especially during robberies and hijackings.
  • Seven deaths were attributed to alleged torture by police, while 20 killings occurred when police fired warning shots.
  • Warning shots are considered bad practice and should be replaced with other deterrent measures.
  • Police shot dead 45 people who were fleeing from them or were armed with knives or other sharp objects.
  • KwaZulu-Natal accounts for a disproportionate number of killings by police in the country.
  • Several police stations in the eThekwini Metro were highlighted as areas where five or more killings by police were registered in the year under review.
  • A new law is needed to codify the rules that police must adhere to when using force.
  • Police should be trained not to shoot at fleeing suspects, not to make use of "warning" shots, and to be better prepared in dealing with suspects armed with knives.
  • A "legal and regulatory framework regarding the use of force" is needed in South Africa.

Statistics:

  • The ratio of civilians killed by police to police killed on duty in South Africa is about 13 to one.
  • 390 people were killed by police officers using their firearms in the 2017/18 financial year.
  • 7 deaths were attributed to alleged torture by police.
  • 20 killings occurred when police fired warning shots.
  • 45 people were shot dead by police who were fleeing from them or were armed with knives or other sharp objects.
  • KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 25% of total IPID complaints in the 2017/18 financial year.

Sources:

  • [1] Ignacio Cano, International Policing Expert
  • [2] Viewfinder (2021) 'Excessive Use of Force by Police in South Africa: A Study of IPID Complaints'
  • [3] South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) (2019) National Torture Preventative Mechanism (NPM)
  • [4] Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) (2018) Case Intake Master Register
  • [5] Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa (2019) Model Bill for Use of Force by Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies in South Africa