Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Media statements | Safety Media statements

AfriForum demands clarity about taxpayer costs and number of unlawful arrests by SAPS

ByAfriForum 31/07/202331/07/2023

The civil rights organisation AfriForum submitted a formal application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to all nine provincial heads of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The organisation is requesting information about the number of unlawful arrests performed by SAPS members in the last five years, as well as how much money is being spent on legal fees to defend these members and the settlement costs paid to victims.

AfriForum’s legal team is specifically asking for a record of all legal costs incurred in litigating each case, and a summary of the cumulative legal costs incurred in litigating against all unlawful arrest and unlawful detention cases.

“Unfortunately, there are SAPS members who don’t seem to know when they are supposed to perform arrests and when not to. Now the taxpayer is again footing the bill for the incompetence of certain officials,” says Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum’s spokesperson for Community Safety.

This request for access to information comes at a pivotal time, as incidents of police brutality in South Africa are on the rise. Transparency about the nature and frequency of these incidents is integral to addressing this problem. By shedding light on the severity of the situation, it helps to pave the way for systemic changes that are necessary to protect the rights of South African citizens.

AfriForum is taking a strong stand against police brutality through this request for information. The organisation’s action enforces accountability and underscores their ongoing commitment to uphold justice. This move serves as a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable South Africa.