Du Noon deaths put 10111 under the microscope as Parliament demands answers

On August 23, four individuals were burnt to death following a mob justice attack in Du Noon, situated near the N7 off-ramp on Malibongwe Drive. A witness had reportedly called 10111 for help before the murders, but their call was dropped after the operator needed an exact location. The Portfolio Committee on Police has welcomed the South African Police Service's (SAPS) commitment to investigate the incident and institute consequence management.

Committee Chairman Ian Cameron emphasized that if the investigation finds the operator's actions were improper, appropriate action must be taken. However, he stressed that one operator should not be the only target for addressing wider issues within 10111. The committee has long raised concerns about outdated ICT infrastructure, staffing constraints, and the effectiveness of the 10111 emergency call system.

Current personnel are voicing their own challenges, including limited career progression, inadequate ongoing training, staffing pressures, and equipment failures. Cameron called for a comprehensive national review of 10111 staffing, training, career progression, and equipment, including the examination of the current rank and promotion system to ensure it recognizes experienced 10111 members.

He advocated for an urgent review of emergency call-taking, including modern caller-location, digital mapping, and integrated dispatch technology. Moreover, he suggested greater integration with competent provincial and local governments to bolster emergency response capabilities. The committee will request a full report from SAPS on the incident, the consequence-management process, and broader reforms required at 10111.

Cameron reiterated that accountability should extend beyond the operator, emphasizing the need for SAPS to develop its personnel, address HR issues, and modernize the system to build public trust and ensure the well-being of the 10111 service members.