This was stated by Constable Mpho Mashakane, the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, in reference to accusations made recently by members of the public.
Mr Godfrey Mothibe, the Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) chairperson, recently told the EXPRESS that the Youth Desk has been “disbanded in a way” due to allegations of relationships between some of them and members of the force.
Concerns were first raised by a resident at last month’s CCPF meeting.
At the time, Mr Mothibe said he had heard these allegations previously and if these allegations were true, the behaviour would not be tolerated.
“We are hearing of relationships between police officers and Youth Desk members and some even having babies together. I am warning the Cleveland SAPS, you do not want to see our anger. Police officers are here to do their jobs and not have relationships with our youth. Some Youth Desk members are driving all over the place with police officers. These youngsters are part of the CCPF and not the SAPS. They fall under our structure. They are supposed to report to us and not the SAPS,” he said.
He added that the CCPF no longer knows what Youth Desk members are doing with regards to programmes and initiatives.
“The Youth Desk falls under the CCPF constitution. They seem like they are reporting to the SAPS and not the CCPF. We are supposed to be kept informed and reports are supposed to be provided at the public meetings. If they are busy on campaigns with the SAPS, they need to inform us,” he said.
Mr Mothibe said all Youth Desk members will now have to sign a Code of Conduct, failing which, they cannot be members.
“They will also have to be vetted. They will have to show us their identity documents and we will take their fingerprints to establish if they have been involved in crimes as well,” said Mr Mothibe.
He said that while the members are over 18 years old, the behaviour some of the members have been accused of is not in sync with the CCPF’s constitution.
Mr Hector Maluleke, the chairperson of the Youth Desk, said members work with the Cleveland SAPS and CCPF.
“We meet the requirements set out for us. I am unaware of personal relationships between the SAPS and Youth Desk members. Maybe there are relationships between the two outside of the Youth Desk activities, but I am unaware of any of these.
“We attend events and work with the Cleveland SAPS on initiatives. If we need transport to these events, police officers take us,” he said.
Speaking about the CCPF’s concerns about the Youth Desk’s involvement in programmes and initiatives and the reporting structure, Const Mashakane said after her discussion with station management, it was decided that it would be better for the CCPF to call a meeting between themselves and the Youth Desk to resolve their concerns.
“Since the Youth Desk falls under the CCPF constitution, this matter should be resolved internally.
“Our police officers are mature and responsible. They would not do anything that would jeopardise their career. Anyone with evidence of such behaviour can come to the station and report the matter,” she said.
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