The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that there were significant breaches of constitutional policing standards during the recent protests, which led to the deaths of 65 people.
In its monitoring report on police response to the public protests in June and July this year, the authority noted that the police used excessive force, lacked professionalism and failed to uphold public safety and rights, especially in instances where they were overwhelmed by the protesters.
The authority said out of the 65 fatalities, it was only notified of five, as required by law. It said failure to notify IPOA of the other deaths undermines independent oversight, violates legal reporting obligations, and signals a worrying culture of non-compliance.
It also said that of the documented fatalities, it has attended 61 autopsies and will attend the remaining four when they are scheduled, as part of its investigations.
The authority has recommended better public order management going forward. It also called for improved welfare of police officers deployed to enforce order and protect vital government and public installations, saying they received inadequate meals, drinking water, and access to essential resources.
