Edenvale SAPS condemns misconduct by its members

The Edenvale SAPS has revealed that the three cases reported on by Carte Blanche this evening have not been finalised in court.

“At the risk of jeopardising any police investigations, or any court proceedings and outcome, we cannot divulge any details at this stage by commenting on these cases individually,” said the acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts.

“However, we assure the community of Edenvale that officers at the station, found to be involved in activities which harm the station’s reputation and service, will be brought to book.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to any form of bribery, corruption, police brutality and racism at our station.

“We are dedicated to serving our community.  We also assure the community that the best is being done to ensure all forms of corruption are rooted out,” said Lt Col Roberts.

Lt Col Roberts said the names of the officers found guilty of corruption, bribery, assault or any other offences, will be made public once they have been found guilty.

Station commander for the Edenvale SAPS, Colonel Eddie Trollip, told the NEWS that although some cases have placed the station in a bad light, many members serving the community work tirelessly to ensure residents are safe.

“Let us not forget that the Edenvale SAPS has produced award-winning police officers. Their dedication to the community should speak for itself. One such example is Lt Col Roberts, who was the recipient of the first runner-up award in the National SAPS Excellence Awards this year in the category Gauteng SAPS Top Vispol (visible policing) Commander,” said Col Trollip.

He added that those officers who have ulterior motives will be exposed.

“There are officers who are in the police service because they want to be there. Those officers honour their fallen colleagues on a daily basis by giving their best in providing a service to the community we serve. We don’t dishonour their memory by making ourselves guilty of the aforementioned offences,” said Col Trollip.

“We honour their memory by serving our community diligently, putting our lives at risk on a daily basis. This is how we honour them. It is for this reason that those who are guilty of corruption and bribery will be exposed and be done away with,” said Lt Col Roberts.

This evening on Carte Blanche, three cases of alleged police brutality and racism at the Edenvale Police Station were highlighted.

One of the cases dating back to 2014 was reported on by the NEWS.

An Edenvale mother has said it would seem an unruly, disrespectful and belligerent element has crept into the Edenvale SAPS.

This comes after her son was arrested late in December 2013.

“Certain constables, duty and investigating officers’ behaviour towards members of the public is quite frankly distasteful and disrespectful,” said Mrs Pat Kingsley.

Her son, Darren, and his two friends spent a night at the police station after their arrest and she believes their basic human rights were violated during this time.

Read the full story here: Rights violated at police station

Following the publication of the story, the SAPS commented.

According to the Edenvale SAPS, Mr Darren Kingsley and his friends were racing down First Avenue at the time of their arrest in December.

“The three boys are facing criminal charges of reckless and negligent driving, as well as interfering with police duties,” said Lt Col Roberts, at the time of the arrest.

He added that according to the arresting officer, two vehicles were driving next to each other on First Avenue when he intervened.

Read the full story here: Three arrested were racing – SAPS

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