IPID clarifies declassified Phala Phala report "not for public consumption"

While the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has declassified its report into the Phala Phala burglary, anyone who wants to see it has to apply under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). 

The report is focused on the investigation into the conduct of police officers involved in the aftermath of the 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo game farm, where $580,000 in cash was stolen.

RELATED: IPID declassifies Phala Phala report, but public release remains restricted

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping noted the report was not available for “public consumption”.

She noted that individuals or organisations seeking access to the report must submit a request to the directorate’s information officer. 

They will assess the application and determine which aspects of the report can be shared.

“They will make an assessment and make a determination based on what they have received from the applicant and provide guidance if there are challenges.”

She explained that PAIA allows IPID to exercise discretion in deciding what information to release.

“The report has people’s personal information, so part of that information has been edited out.”

Access to the report also comes with guidelines on how it can be handled and used.

To listen to Turner in conversation with 702’s John Perlman, click the audio player below: