Western Cape police confirm in writing the use of Afrikaans at police stations to Cape Forum

Afrikaans may be used when giving statements at the Western Cape South African Police Service (SAPS). This was confirmed to Cape Forum by Lt. Gen. Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape Police Commissioner. Cape Forum wrote to Patekile after the SAPS in the Northern Cape confirmed that they would offer Afrikaans as a service language if requested, the organisation wanted clarity on the use of Afrikaans also at Western Cape police stations.

According to section 6(3)(1) of the Constitution, provincial governments must use a minimum of two official languages ​​when dealing with the public. Patekile agreed with Cape Forum that the public may use an official language they are comfortable with when making statements. According to Patekile, English is only the “working language” of the SAPS and the use of English only applies to SAPS members and not to the public.

During a PanSALB conference in March this year, it was stated, among other things, that there is a risk that facts can be distorted and can lead to the obstruction of justice if statements are taken in English by SAPS members who have a different mother language. This can ultimately lead to justice not being served.

“It is encouraging that there is now a written guarantee for the use of Afrikaans at police stations in the Western Cape. Afrikaans and speakers of other languages must be given the opportunity to report crimes to the best of their ability,” says Bernard Pieters, Head of Community Activation at Cape Forum.

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