The CEC, Popcru’s highest decision-making body between congresses, gathered to address pressing issues impacting police, corrections, and traffic management workers.

Justice Minister Thembi Simelane attended Thursday’s session, where she supported calls for reform.

“We believe the Criminal Procedure Act needs to be revised to align with the current technological landscape and emerging challenges, such as cybercrime,” Simelane stated.

“The Act, created in 1977, doesn’t accommodate advancements like digital forensics, which are vital in modern criminal investigations. My message here is about urgency, and I appreciate Popcru’s initiative to commission research on this issue.”

Popcru President Thulani Ngwenya highlighted the union’s concerns about the Act’s limitations. He explained that Popcru had initiated a study to examine its effects, particularly due to gaps within the legislation that hinder policing and justice processes.

“We’re dealing with an apartheid-era law that doesn’t reflect our democratic values or meet the practical needs of our police force. For example, sections on search and seizure lack clarity, which complicates police operations,” Ngwenya noted.

Ngwenya further expressed frustration with the slow pace of legislative change, attributing it to a lack of political will.

“Any legislative change requires consultation and approval from Parliament, and this law hasn’t been a priority for them,” he explained. “Only when politicians experienced issues with search and seizure themselves did they start to realise how outdated and inadequate this legislation is.”

Popcru hopes that by 2025, the government will act on their recommendations and modernise the Criminal Procedure Act.

--ChannelAfrica--