In just one week, the South African Police Service has busted 13 of their own in a battle to root out corruption.
“On Wednesday, 30 April 2020 three police constables aged 27, 33 and 34 were arrested in Khayelitsha for corruption. It is alleged the members took a bribe from an e-hailing services driver in Cape Town after they accused him of operating illegally. They appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court today and were granted bail.” said Brig Novela Potelwa
Another case of corruption occurred in Paarl East, two constables have been accused of visiting a shop in the area where a businessman was alleged to be selling cigarettes. The constables offered immunity from the law if the owner paid an undisclosed amount to the officers, the businessman refused.
“He turned down the offer and advised the police officials to take the consignment of cigarettes. They left with the cigarettes but later booked in the consignment as abandoned.” said Brig Novela Potelwa
During the lockdown, cigarette sales have been forbidden.
All three involved [Officers and businessman] were arrested yesterday and appeared in court today.
Last Thursday (23rd April 2020) seven officers were arrested for the alleged crimes committed while carrying out their Operation Lockdown duties. They have been accused of raiding a shop in Bellville, taking cigarettes, then offered to meet elsewhere with the owner to return the cigarettes for a price. The shop owner refused and reported the matter to the Police.
“All seven members who are aged between 28 and 48, comprising two warrants officers, three sergeants and a constable, were arrested on Wednesday 29 April 2020, and appeared in court on the same day on charges of corruption.” said Brig Novela Potelwa
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lietenant Colonel Yolisa Matakata is disheartened by those entrusted to uphold the law.
“It is disheartening that the very same people entrusted to uphold the law get involved in crime. We will not be deterred in cleaning up this organisation,” he says.
