The Western Cape government has welcomed the appointment of Major General Oswald Reddy as the province’s new Police Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s office was initiated in April 2013 through the Western Cape Community Safety Act for the purpose of investigating complaints regarding police inefficiencies.
Reddy’s appointment comes after members of the Standing Committee agreed unanimously to appoint him in this position as the Maj Gen has worked in SAPS for over 39 years and served in numerous capacities, having worked his way up the ranks in the Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng. He also served as a Major General in SAPS for 19 years and was currently serving as the Cluster Commander for Eden in George.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he looks forward to working with the new Ombudsman who brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise.
“I am glad that we have nominated Maj Gen Reddy for this position where he will provide important oversight over the South African Police Service (SAPS) on behalf of communities in the Western Cape,” Winde indicated.
Winde added the appointment is exemplified as Reddy has established Youth Desks and Senior Citizen Desks at all SAPS Stations within the Eden Cluster, and is piloting the Evidence-Based Policing concept for SAPS nationally, in conjunction with the Institute of Security Studies.
Meanwhile, Western Cape police are investigating a double murder and several attempted murders that took place in Lentegeur in Mitchells Plain.
Police Spokesperson, Andre Traut, confirmed that officers attached to the police’s Anti-gang Unit and additional forces have been deployed to the area as the shootings are believed to be gang-related, SABC reported.
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