Minister rids police services of criminal elements
JOBURG - More than 1 000 police officers with criminal records will be removed from the SA Police Service.
This was according to Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa’s office, following an audit of criminality in the police force.
“The audit identified 1 448 Saps members as having criminal records,” acting spokesperson David Barritt said in a statement.
“Saps is in the process of removing 1 017 officers while another 67 have left the service. After following the correct legal and labour processes, Saps is now satisfied that 1 017 of its members are no longer fit to serve.”
He added that there were more than 300 officers who were still expected to appear before the fitness board.
Mthethwa said the action indicated that the department was making progress in continuing efforts to rid police ranks of dishonest officers.
“Those with criminal convictions do not belong in the police force,” he said. “I have made it clear to Saps that I expect zero tolerance with regard to criminality in the police, at every level.”
According to Mthethwa, this was the first time in South African history that a process of this nature had been undertaken.
The process was challenging, but would result in a better police service, he said, adding that it was in its final stages.
“The only remaining obstacle now is that a trade union has undertaken legal action in the Eastern Cape in an attempt to derail the process.”
