Parliament, Tuesday, 1 October 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has acceded to a request from the Portfolio Committee on Police to refer the allegations against Major General Patrick Mbotho from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for an urgent and in-depth investigation.
As a result, Mr Jan de Villiers, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration has on 30 September 2024 requested the PSC to institute the said investigation.
The request for the investigation is premised on the need to build a capable state as encapsulated in the National Development Plan and item 8.10 of the statement of intent of the Government of National Unity, which highlight the importance of integrity, good governance and accountable leadership. “The decision to refer the matter to the PSC signals the strong intention and commitment of both committees to ensure that the leadership of all state organs are above reproach and have at the centre the need for effective and efficient public service,” Mr de Villiers said.
The committees are also cognisant of the importance of the DPCI and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the fight against crime in the country. “The fight against crime requires police officers of high integrity who are beyond reproach. The ongoing scourge of extortions crippling the country and the fact that some police officials are also accused of perpetrating extortion highlight why there is a need for ethical and servant SAPS members.
The fact that Major General Mbotho has had various allegations of impropriety against him might create a negative perception about the SAPS’s willingness to fight crime,” said Mr Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police.
The investigation was lodged in accordance with Chapter 2 of the PSC rules on conducting investigations established in 2017. While the police portfolio committee has previously called for the DPCI leadership to reconsider the appointment, the referral is based primarily on the need to investigate the serious allegations made against Major General Mbotho.
Some of the allegations against him include that he posted various explicit and adult content to a Detective Commander’s WhatsApp group using his official cell phone. There were also allegations that Major General Mbotho had meetings with individuals currently suspected of gang activity and extortions in the Western Cape. Other allegations allege that Major General Mbotho was involved in interfering in criminal investigations and defeating the ends of justice.
“What is important for both committees is to ensure that capable, ethical and credible officers are in the forefront of the SAPS to strengthen crime-fighting efforts. Furthermore, the referral seeks to ensure a high standard of professionalism and accountability within the SAPS. There must be a clear message that all SAPS officers are capable and are of high integrity,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
The committees will wait for a clear outline with timelines from the PCS on the processes it intends to undertake to investigate the matter.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, MR JAN DE VILLIERS, AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON
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