By Staff Reporter
The arrests of four senior crime intelligence officers indicate a seriously compromised institution deeply entrenched in criminal activity, according to Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron.
“The committee has always maintained that only fit and proper individuals must serve in the SAPS. While this is not an indictment on the entire service, as there are dedicated and honest officers in the SAPS, the few that are corrupt tarnish the good image of the police service,” Cameron said in a statement.
Poliice crime intelligence (CI) boss Major-General Dumisani Khumalo was reportedly arrested by the Investigating Directorate of Against Corruption in connection with alleged senior appointments.
Earlier this month, the other officers were arrested in connection with the cover up of a burglary at the home of crime intelligence chief financial officer Major-General Philani Lushaba. He was also nabbed.
While Cameron welcomed the arrests in the context of completely eradicating rogue and criminal police officers within the service, he said: “The SAPS is meant to protect the people against crime. Still, it is unacceptable to have officers called to service undermine this duty for their selfish and corrupt activities.”
Crime intelligence was a critical component in the fight against crime, and the fact that so many of its leaders have been arrested and charged with serious crimes undermined its ability to implement its mandate, the chairperson said.
He called on the SAPS to institute Section 34 inquiries as a matter of urgency.
These inquiries into police conduct determine whether an officer is fit to remain in office.
Cameron reiterated the committee’s long-held view that regular lifestyle audits must be conducted, especially for officers in the crime intelligence unit.
The committee will request a full report from the national police commissioner on internal consequence management against the arrested officers.
INSIDE POLITICS