• Priscilla Monama
• 02 Jul 2025

Breaking Departmental Barriers in Justice Delivery - SAPS IPM Showcase - Mitchells Plain - Western C

This month, we are shining a light on a significant step further for South Africa’s justice system. For years, justice stakeholders such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD), Correctional Services, and Social Development have, for the longest time, worked in isolation, a move which was characterised by paperwork and outdated processes. But now, thanks to the Integrated Justice System (IJS), these departments have already started to work together like never before. The result? Faster case management, fewer delays, and better protection for vulnerable groups, especially children.

Our cover story titled: Breaking Departmental Barriers in Justice Delivery, takes a closer look at how the IJS is making this possible. At the centre of this effort is the Integrated Person Management (IPM) solution, a tool that is changing the way justice is delivered.

Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister Andries Nel visited the Mitchells Plain Police Station to see how the IPM solution is being implemented on 7 February 2025,. The system is vital in the IJS project, designed to make justice services more efficient and effective to stakeholders.

So, what does the IPM entail? In simple terms, IPM helps police officers and justice officials work more efficiently and in a collaborative manner. For example, when one is arrested, the system collects  biometric data (such as fingerprints) of the arrested individual and then checks it against multiple government databases in real time. This includes records from the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO), and the Child Protection Register.

This means officers can quickly see if a suspect has a criminal history, any outstanding warrants, or if they are listed on a child protection register; all without piles of paperwork or phone calls to other departments. It is a small change with a big impact: fewer delays, fewer mistakes, and more time to focus on what really matters, serving the public.

A Clearer Picture of Justice

The IPM system gives all stakeholders involved in the justice process such as police, courts, correctional services, a single, clear view of the person they’re dealing with. This makes it easier to manage cases and reduces the workload for criminal justice personnel.

During his recent visit, Deputy Minister Nel took part in a demonstration led by IJS Programme Head, Mr. Nicholas Munyai.. The Deputy Minister scanned his own fingerprint, and the feedback was astonishingly detailed and comprehensive. The result was accurate and confirmed Deputy Minister historical footprint. The event showed how technology is helping departments work together more smoothly, making the justice system faster and more reliable.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional development Mr.Nel, SAPS Provincial Technology Management Services Col. Pillay, SAPS Mitchelle’s Plain Station Commander, Brigadier Muller

Why This Matters

 By breaking down the barriers between departments, the IJS is helping to ensure that justice is delivered fairly and on time.

This is a step forward for South Africa, taking place  because of the hard work and collaboration of countless people across the justice system. Together, we are building a system that is not only more efficient but also more compassionate and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.