Police have already spent R1.4 billion on personal protective equipment (PPE) and other items to help combat Covid-19.
Andrew Whitfield, the DA’s spokesperson on police, says the police spent almost half of that money, or about R642 million, only on disinfectants.
According to the DA, the police bought 100,000 containers with 25 L disinfectant.
“From an investigation by the DA, it was determined that a 25 L plastic container with disinfectant can be purchased for less than R2 000,” said Whitfield.
Whitfield says the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, said in response to a parliamentary question that all PPEs were purchased at market-related prices and then also in accordance with the national treasury’s price list for products.
Cele said where suppliers did not have stock, suppliers were used whose prices were more than the national treasury’s recommendation.
“The price increase of more than 300% for containers with disinfectant is probably just the tip of the iceberg. The DA calls on the Hawks not to leave any stone unturned to expose corruption in the police. “
Whitfield says while the minister was seizing liquor and cigarettes during the isolation period, his own department exploited the disaster.
He says police are supposed to set the example.
“Every incident of corruption in the police undermines the credibility of the power to obey and enforce the law.
“Under the management of the ANC, there does not seem to be enough disinfectant in the world to cleanse the police of corruption,” he said.
