CPUs need 'inner protection'

2003-11-24 22:18

Rayaan Adriaanse

Cape Town - Members of the police child protection units (CPU) are often exposed to gruesome scenes, but most of them have not undergone psychometric tests to find if they are fit for this type of work.

This was what Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula said in reply to a parliamentary question from Mike Waters, Democratic Alliance MP.

Waters said he was shocked when Nqakula confirmed that 87% of the unit's members had not been tested before they were appointed.

"I am not saying that members who did not do the test are unfit for this work.

"However, it is important candidates who are not suitable for this job are identified early in the process.

"One can then prevent them from coming into contact with the most vulnerable part of our society," said Walters.

One official charged

He said psychometric tests would also enable CPU commanders to monitor unit staff better.

The DA warned the CPU was becoming a dumping ground for "unsuitable officials".

Waters pointed out that one such official was transferred to the Mitchell's Plain CPU without doing the test.

The official has since been charged with raping a 14-year-old girl while investigating another case in which she was the victim.

The DA insists police officials appointed to CPU units should undergo psychometric tests.

- Die Burger