SAPS warns against unauthorised ID checks

Kimberley – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has warned communities against individuals conducting unauthorised identity document inspections, stressing that only designated law enforcement officials have the legal authority to verify identification documents.

The warning follows reports of people carrying out identity document inspections in the greater Kimberley area.

In a statement on Monday, SAPS said Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe of the Northern Cape Media Centre addressed the issue during an interview on Revival FM’s Arise and Shine programme.

“The purpose of the interview was to emphasise that only duly authorised law enforcement officials from the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Border Management Authority, acting within the confines of the law, may request and verify identity documents while performing their official duties,” SAPS said.

Police urged residents not to be intimidated by individuals who have no legal authority to demand identity documents.

“Members of the public were also urged not to be intimidated by individuals who have no legal authority to conduct identity document inspections,” the statement said.

SAPS encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious or unlawful conduct at their nearest police station, through the MySAPS App, or by calling the Crime Stop hotline.

Litabe also clarified that the only recognised community structure that officially works with SAPS is the Community Policing Forum (CPF).

“He also made it clear that any person who intimidates, discriminates against, or harasses individuals suspected of not being in possession of identity documents or other legal documentation may face criminal prosecution,” SAPS said.

The police reiterated their commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that all policing activities are conducted lawfully and without prejudice.

“The SAPS remains committed to maintaining law and order, protecting the constitutional rights of everyone within the Republic of South Africa, and ensuring that all policing actions are carried out professionally, lawfully, and without prejudice,” the statement said.