south africa parliamentary oversight justice system reform

Deepening the Pillars of Peace: South Africa’s Parliamentary Oversight in Action

by

South Africa’s Parliament plays a key role in building peace and justice by carefully watching over how laws and institutions work. Through committees, it pushes for fair police conduct, better courts, and kinder treatment in prisons, making sure government acts openly and listens to the people. In 2025, a special media event in Cape Town showed how these efforts come alive, as leaders shared real steps toward safety, fairness, and healing. This ongoing oversight is like a steady heartbeat, keeping the country moving toward a safer, more just future for all.

vip protection unit south african police service

Shattered Trust on the N1: VIP Protection Unit Assault and South Africa’s Ongoing Police Crisis

by

In July 2023, eight officers from South Africa’s VIP Protection Unit attacked civilians on Johannesburg’s busy N1 highway, sparking shock and anger across the nation. A viral video showed the officers threatening people with rifles, breaking trust in a police force already struggling with a troubled past. Though the officers were suspended, they were later reinstated, fueling public outrage and calls for real change. The ongoing court case shines a harsh light on deep problems within South Africa’s police and the urgent need for justice and reform. This incident is a powerful reminder of how power can be misused, hurting ordinary lives.

south african policing gender-based violence

Shadows of Betrayal: The Thembalethu Gqeku Case and the Crisis of Trust in South African Policing

by

Thembalethu Gqeku, a South African police officer, was found guilty of raping a 17yearold girl inside a police station—turning a place meant for safety into a scene of betrayal. This shocking case exposed deep problems of trust, silence, and abuse within the police. Although justice was eventually served with a 20year sentence, the survivor’s pain and mistrust reveal the urgent need for real change in how law enforcement protects and supports victims. The case shines a harsh light on the fight to clean up police culture and build a safer future for all.

police brutality police accountability Cape Town

Unveiling the Trauma: Unjust Assault on Barber in Mowbray

by

In Mowbray, Cape Town, a barber named Juma Igiranieza was brutally attacked by law enforcement officials while working in his salon. The assault was recorded by CCTV cameras and sparked outrage in the community, highlighting the need for police accountability in South Africa. Legal proceedings have been initiated by Igiranieza’s legal team, and the case has caught the attention of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), potentially resulting in severe charges for the officers involved. This occurrence brings to light the pressing need for reforms within the policing system for a more accountable and fair framework in the future.