The report shows that Ipid is currently managing 19,055 active cases, consisting of 5,136 new cases and 13,919 backlog cases.
This is an increase from 17,988 active cases recorded in the previous period, which included 5,274 new cases and 12,714 backlog cases.
The majority of complaints stem from allegations of assault, the discharge of official firearms, and deaths resulting from police actions.
Operating with only 167 investigators across nine provinces – a figure that excludes management – Ipid faces logistical challenges, particularly in vast provinces requiring extensive travel.
The directorate relies heavily on the Forensic Science Laboratory and the department of health for examining evidential data and producing technical reports, further slowing case resolution.
“Despite achieving 100% of the planned targets in our core function, challenges such as a limited footprint, extensive travel, and reliance on other agencies remain significant obstacles,” Ipid noted in the report.
It said it had received feedback from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on 4,138 cases, far exceeding its five-year target of 2,500 cases by 1,638.
“Although the target is met, there is still a need to strengthen monitoring processes to ensure that the progress is reported to Ipid timeously…”
However, of the 2,032 criminal cases referred to the NPA in 2023/2024, feedback was received on only 814 cases, with just 52 approved for prosecution.
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