Following a reply to a parliamentary question, it was indicated that 52% of investigated South African Police Service (SAPS) members in the Western Cape have been found guilty of corruption since 2009 to date. It is alleged that in total, 1 303 corruption investigations were launched, of which 680 members were found guilty. According to the Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Safety, Reagen Allen, the 304 members implicated in corruption have been dismissed, whilst lesser sanctions were imposed against others.
Allen says this means that more than half of the corruption cases amongst SAPS in the Western Cape were found guilty, rooting out internal corruption stands at a rate of 96% as only 49 of these (1 303) cases have yet to be concluded. “We commend the efforts in this regard, but do seek further clarity on the timeframes for investigations to be concluded,” Allen said. Allen added, he will also put forward additional questions on the impact these cases have had at a station level in our province and how this has been rectified accordingly. “According to the Institute of Security Studies (ISS), historically 98% of corruption cases are investigated at station level. It is important that we establish and maintain integrity and professionalism within the police service,” Allen added.
Meanwhile, DA has decided to take firm action against SAPS negligence in the Lauren Dryden murder case. Dryden was shot and killed in November 2020, outside her place of work while she was waiting for her taxi. Her alleged killer was released after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided in March this year to withdraw the charges. It is alleged the charges were withdrawn because there were irregularities with the police investigation.
Picture: Cape Town Etc gallery