NCJ Number
133148
Date Published
1991
Length
165 pages
Annotation
During 1990, the South African Police moved to control crime by minimizing intergroup conflict, uncovered a terrorist network, and improved the training and salaries of police in order to increase the number of police.
Abstract
The year witnessed new demands on the police, particularly in terms of fighting between black groups. A commission of inquiry was set up to deal with police operations related to crowd and riot control. The commission found that allegations of a police "death squad" were not founded, although public perceptions of such a squad prevail. During 1990, police officers were the victims of violence on a large scale; 68 died in unrest-related incidents, while 13 were killed in terrorist attacks. A sophisticated terrorist network of the African National Congress was uncovered as well as a clandestine communications network and illegal weapons. South Africa experienced a terrorist campaign during 1990 in which 23 bomb explosions occurred. The police carried out several large crime prevention operations, including Operation Watchdog and Ironfist. Salaries and benefits of police were improved such that 7,119 members were added to the police force between July and December as well as 3,962 special constables. During 1990, the police lost 7,223 members due to retirement, resignation, and discharge. The South African Police's annual report also covers recruitment, reserve police, training, internal security, scientific and technical police services, management and logistics, legal services, financial services, and pastoral and social care.