Police play a critical role in ensuring that citizens are protected and that their constitutional rights are upheld. However, history serves as a reminder that this responsibility has not always been honoured. One of the most tragic examples of the failure to protect these rights is the Sharpeville Massacre, an event that remains etched in the national consciousness.
On 21 March 1960, South African police opened fire on a peaceful protest organised by the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) against the apartheid pass laws. The brutal attack resulted in the deaths of 69 people and left more than 180 others injured. The incident shocked the world and became a definitive turning point in South Africa’s struggle against systemic oppression. In recognition of its significance, the democratic government declared 21 March as Human Rights Day in 1994, commemorating those who lost their lives and reinforcing the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms.
Reflecting on the role of police in a democratic society, Greenwood Park Police Station Communications Officer, Sergeant Basha Nyembe, emphasised the importance of human rights-centred policing. She explained that modern policing prioritises the community, ensuring that individuals are treated with respect and dignity while officers carry out their duties.
Nyembe said: “For me, human rights-centred policing means putting the community first, treating people with respect, and protecting those we serve.”
She further highlighted that several policies and legal frameworks are now in place to ensure that officers respect and protect citizens’ rights, particularly during arrests, searches, and crowd control situations. These guidelines, rooted in the Bill of Rights, are designed to prevent abuses of power and promote strict accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Nyembe acknowledged that, despite these measures, complaints related to human rights violations do occasionally arise. However, she assured that such matters are handled through formal, transparent procedures. “Internal investigations are conducted, and there is coding and tracking of each complaint, while the complainant is kept informed throughout the process,” she explained.
Residents who believe their rights have been violated are encouraged to speak up and report such incidents to the Station Commander, Colonel Mbongeni Khalishwayo, to ensure appropriate action is taken. As South Africa continues to reflect on its journey, the observance of Human Rights Day serves as both a reminder of past injustices and a call to uphold the dignity of all citizens.
