Blood Parliament: IPOA ordered to launch fresh probe on police brutality

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch fresh investigations into the extrajudicial killings highlighted in the BBC documentary Bloody Parliament.

In a letter addressed to IPOA on Tuesday, April 29, Deputy DPP Jacinter Nyamosi stated that it is important to hold the officers implicated in the incidents accountable.

“Given the clarity of the footage and testimonies presented in the documentary, we urge IPOA to promptly begin investigations to identify and bring to justice the alleged perpetrators responsible for breaching parliamentary conduct,” stated the ODPP.

"It is essential to investigate any misconduct or excessive use of force by law enforcement officers during the protests."

Additionally, the ODPP has called for witness protection measures to be implemented for individuals mentioned or featured in the documentary, stating that their cooperation is vital to the investigations. 

Nyamosi noted that they expect IPOA to independently fulfill its mandate and subsequently forward the completed investigation files to the ODPP.

According to a report from IPOA, since the June 2024 Gen Z protest, 60 deaths have been recorded. 

Of these, 22 investigations have been completed, 36 remain active, and two cases are currently in court.