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[FILE] A crime scene.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says recent corruption allegations involving senior police officials point to systemic failures within the South African Police Service.
This follows the court appearance of a senior police official accused of defrauding the SAPS of millions of rand meant for presidential protection services.
In a separate matter, a police sergeant who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.
The DA says the allegations raise serious concerns about national security and governance within the police service.
DA MP Lisa Schickerling says, “If corruption can occur there, it raises serious concerns about national security, internal vetting, and financial governance within the SAPS. And it does reflect on a serious leadership crisis within the SAPS, which we know is happening at the moment. We’ve seen repeated scandals in the SAPS, and yet the same weaknesses persist.”
Arrest of police officers for alleged corruption sends shockwaves through the nation
“We’ve been calling for reform in the South African police services for years. And over the last two years, it’s something that we’ve been fighting for very hard. The Democratic Alliance still maintains that General Masemola must be placed on special leave. And so his case appears in front of the court, which is, I think, on the 24th of April, because it just strengthens the case. You can’t be in charge of investigating something and then still be in the same place,” she added.
Meanwhile, the South African Policing Union has cautioned against generalising corruption within SAPS.
SAPU spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale says, “We cannot conclusively say there’s a deeper systematic problem simply because issues that relate to SAPS are currently before the Commission and the Commission is still doing its work. But if there are any allegations against anyone, it is always fair to allow the law to take its course in this regard, but not put a blanket such a problem in SAPS in this regard, because it’s not everyone who is involved who has got allegations that are levelled against them.”
Authorities say investigations and legal processes are ongoing.
A prominent police sergeant is in the Pretoria court today
