COLONEL Vincent Mdunge, a provincial police spokesman, has resigned from the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS.
His resignation follows a national audit to sift out members who are in the employ of the SAPS but have criminal records.
According to Colonel Jay Naicker, an instruction has been issued to make it compulsory for members to regularly declare when they are facing a criminal investigation. The audit is currently focused on the verification of members’ academic qualifications.
“During the verification of qualification process allegations surfaced that the matric certificate of Colonel Vincent Mdunge, who is based in the provincial headquarters, was not valid.
He said the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonye Ngobeni, immediately appointed a senior officer to investigate the allegations.
“Following a thorough investigation the provincial commissioner took a decision to institute disciplinary charges against the Mdunge. Mdunge has since placed notice with the provincial commissioner to resign from the SAPS and his resignation was accepted. At this stage we cannot comment further on the investigation due to pending criminal investigation which may follow,” added Naidoo.
Ngobeni, who was shaken when the allegation first surfaced, has respected the decision taken by Mdunge.
“While I worked closely with Mdunge and there was an element of trust and respect, I was filled with a deep sense of disbelief and disappointment when I learnt of the allegation. I, however am duty bound to take action against any individual under my command should they make themselves guilty of misconduct and therefore I ordered that the matter be investigated immediately and due process should follow. The fact that the member has chosen to resign from the SAPS is respected,” said Ngobeni.
Police would not confirm if Mdunge will be charged with fraud.
