By Obakeng Maje

“While some police officials are adhering to the SAPS Code of Conduct to which they have committed themselves even if it requires them to investigate criminal conducted by fellow police officials, it is however disturbing to note that some police officials do not abide by the SAPS Code of Conduct and abuse their powers as police officials, thus tarnishing the reputation of the SAPS” said colonel Priscilla Naidu.

A Kimberley police official is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate Court today on a charge of corruption. “It is alleged that the Warrant Officer offered a suspect to make a docket ‘disappear’. The suspect was instructed to deposit R300-00 on the 16 July 2013 at the local Shoprite Money Market” colonel Priscilla Naidu said. 

The transaction was allegedly made and later that day, the money was withdrawn by the Warrant Officer.  

The suspect and the police officer allegedly met again on the 27 July where another R300-00 was handed over to the policeman. 

“The police officer was arrested after the transaction was completed” Naidu said.

In another incident, a police Constable from Port Nolloth was arrested on the 23 July and charged for Fraud and Corruption. 

He appeared in the Springbok magistrate court on the 25/07 and was released on R1000 bail. “It is alleged that the Constable approached the Director of a diamond company and extorted money from her in exchange for information” Naidu said. 

The Constable produced false documents to the woman where it is alleged that some of her workers were implicated in a police investigation. 

The Constable received R1200 in two separate payments during June and July 2013.  

On the 5th July, the Constable demanded R20 000 for himself and R20 000 for two other ‘fictitious’ police officers. 

“The Constable falsely represented to the woman that he was going to make the case go away. His next appearance in court is on the 9 September 2013” police said.

In both cases, the SAPS has already begun with the internal investigations which is running parallel with the criminal investigations.

“Acts of corruption, fraud and criminality will not be tolerated within the SAPS as our police leadership expects nothing but excellence from the members and personnel of the SAPS” Naidu said. 

Information on corrupt police officials involved in criminal activities may be reported anonymously to the Public Service Commission National Anti-Corruption Hotline – 0800 701 701. 

Alternatively the anonymous Crime Stop number 08600 10111 can be used.

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