Parliament, Thursday, 17 October 2023 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has questioned the appetite of senior management within the South African Police Service (SAPS) to root out corruption in SAPS. This follows the shortlisting for possible promotion of senior officers at the SAPS Philippi Training Academy despite serious allegations of corruption levelled against them.
The committee had previously highlighted the need for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) and the SAPS internal audit unit to conduct and report on the serious allegations of malfeasance and corruption against senior officers stationed at the centre. “It is thus shocking to find out that these senior officials are being considered for promotion despite the serious allegations against them. This shortlisting runs contrary to the commitment made by the Minister of Police to work towards an ethical and accountable police service,” Mr Cameron stressed.
Also, the committee, in its meeting yesterday, welcomed the draft National Policing Policy (NPP) that advocates for a SAPS recruitment system that supports competency-based policing with an emphasis on the quality of personnel and professionalism. Furthermore, the draft NPP advocates for a set standard for recruitment that includes attributes and behavioural checks. “The shortlisting of these officers raises serious questions about the integrity of the promotion process and the accountability mechanisms within the SAPS,” Mr Cameron said.
Also concerning for the committee was that no tangible feedback has been received from either the human resources department at SAPS or Hawks on various concerns raised by the committee during a recent oversight at the training academy. “The committee made it categorically clear that it expects swift action and consequence management following the completion of investigations. It is thus unacceptable that to date there has been little or no movement in this regard,” Mr Cameron said. As a result, the committee has scheduled a formal meeting to get clarity on all the issues raised during its visit to the Philippi Police Training Academy and updates on all investigations.
While the committee acknowledged the commitment made by the Minister to root out corrupt officials within the ranks of the service, the accounting officer and his subordinates must carry through the implementation of this promise. “Unfortunately, this shortlisting does not assure that SAPS management comprehends the severity such promotions will have on the perceived integrity of the service,” Mr Cameron said. Despite these concerns, the committee reiterated its full support for the Minister’s reform agenda of the SAPS.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR IAN CAMERON.
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