Northern Cape SAPS decision to take statements only in English unconstitutional – Cape Forum
The decision of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape to take statements only in English from now on is completely contrary to section 6(3)(1) of the Constitution which stipulates that provincial governments must use a minimum of two official languages. According to Cape Forum, this decision will also discriminate against the Coloured community, which is predominantly Afrikaans. The order was signed on 12 March by Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, deputy provincial commissioner of the Northern Cape, and also stipulates that members will face disciplinary action if this rule is not adhered to.
Furthermore, this new rule is also contrary to the Use of Official Languages Act (12 of 2012) which stipulates that national departments, such as the SAPS, must use at least three official languages. This process of using only English was already tested without success in 2016. Cape Forum has already entered into discussions with various role players on how this matter can be clarified at community level.
“This action shows that leadership in South Africa is completely tone deaf to what is going on in the world. South Africa is already under the microscope due to its racial laws and attitude towards minority groups and then the SAPS in the Northern Cape thinks it is wise to make English its official language even though according to the 2022 census only 2,4% of the Northern Cape population speaks English as a home language,” says Bernard Pieters, head of Community Activation at Cape Forum.
“English is also probably not the first language of the police members on duty, which also increases the possibility of statements being taken down incorrectly. Errors that slip in during the translation of statements can lead to statements being thrown out or important information being overlooked. Communities should, where possible, be allowed to make statements in their own mother language to ensure that information is accurately conveyed and can therefore be followed up more successfully,” Pieters concludes.
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