More Than 400 Police Officers in Gauteng Have Serious Pending Criminals Cases Against Them
Gauteng community MEC Faith Mazibuko has revealed that a total of 459 Gauteng police officers have pending criminal cases against them, ranging from murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, corruption and helping prisoners to escape.
The grim revelation was made by Mazibuko in a reply to a question in the provincial legislature by the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Michael Shackleton.
Other criminals cases against police include reckless and negligent driving, common assault, assault with intentions to cause grievous bodily harm, house and business robbery and domestic violence.
Shackleton says the safety and security of Gauteng residents are worryingly compromised as police officers tasked with a responsibility to prevent anything that may threaten the safety or security residents are also currently being investigated for committing serious criminal offences.
“Such acts have resulted in people losing the critical trust and confidence needed in law enforcement agencies, and leaving residents more vulnerable.”
Shackleton says the top three police stations with the most offenders include the Tsakane police station, the Krugersdorp police station and the Benoni and Hekpoort police stations.
“It is a clear indication that SAPS is failing in its responsibility to prevent, combat, and investigate crime as well as ensure that police officers uphold the rule of law instead of breaking it.”
Shackleton has called on the national government to do a complete overhaul of the police service by curbing corruption, hiring people with a passion for policing, and retaining good officers to make the police service honest, professional, and one that serves and protects the people.
