Over 31% of corruption is in Joburg
JOBURG – The Corruption in Uniform report highlights instances of reported corruption from around the country.
Corruption Watch South Africa released a report highlighting a number of instances of corruption that have been reported to them over the past six years.
The report titled ‘Corruption in Uniform’ focuses on reported instances of corruption by police officers. In the seven years that Corruption Watch has been operating, they have received over 24 000 reports of corruption. However, according to Corruption Watch, only 5.9 per cent of these cases are reported to the police.
Gauteng accounted for more than half of all reports of corruption, with the majority of the other provinces accounting for under 10 per cent of reports. The report shows that major cities receive the majority of complaints, with Johannesburg receiving the most. Over 31 per cent of corruption cases reported took place in Johannesburg.
In the instances that were reported, 26 per cent of the allegedly corrupt officials were detectives and investigating officers, 15 per cent, station commanders and 12 per cent, captains.
The range of reported offences varies, but bribery was reported the most, with 33 per cent. Other common complaints include abuse of power, failure to act, abuse of government resources and the threat of violence.
Corruption Watch researcher and project manager Melusi Ncala said, “This report is the story of almost every woman, man and child in our country, and that is the most troubling fact.
“To think that 25 years later, in a democratic South Africa, an institution that is supposed to protect and serve us all operates in a binary way when we call for help is disconcerting at best and very dangerous at worst. Regardless of our gender, race, class and proximity to political power, we all have the fundamental human right to feel safe in our homes, places of worship, offices and streets.”
Ncala added that it is necessary to work collectively with the police to shape and mould the South African Police Service into an institution of accountability and transparency, that is corruption-free.
Details: Corruption Watch
www.corruptionwatch.org.za
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