IFP concerned about high numbers of police personnel on stress leave

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MRS SYBIL SEATON MP
IFP DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP

December 1, 2006

The IFP Deputy Chief Whip, Mrs Sybil Seaton, today expressed concern regarding the number of police personnel on stress leave, especially at this time of the year. Mrs Seaton said:

"Recently there have been numerous reports of police personnel committing 'Famicide'. Just today, in Durban, it was reported that a police inspector killed his wife and then himself. The levels of stress experienced by our policemen and women have for too long been ignored; the IFP now urges management to increase the awareness of assistance programmes available to police personnel."

"The IFP has always maintained that effective policing should start with ground personnel, but with the latest statistics, we cannot help but wonder if that will at all be possible. The question has to be raised: 'How can effective policing take place, especially with the festive season upon us, when 10% of the personnel that should be patrolling the streets are on stress leave or suffering from some sort of trauma?'"

Mrs Seaton concluded by saying: "For months now, the IFP has been calling for the Safety & Security Minister to make resources available to the SAPS so that they are able to recruit and retain the correct calibre of personnel. We urge the Minister once again, but this time, to make more resources for effective counselling and more psychologists available to personnel as well.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mrs Sybil Seaton MP: 083 412 0075
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848