SAPS discontent jeopardises Gauteng safety
DOUGLASDALE – DA questions competence of senior police officers and raises concerns over the current 'go-slow' within certain police stations.
Statement issued by: DA Gauteng spokesperson on Community Safety Michele Clarke.
The escalating trend of SAPS members embarking on “go-slows”, over-perceived poorly addressed concerns is of paramount concern and needs urgent attention.
Today, SAPS members at the Douglasdale Police Station have stopped carrying out their duties as they feel marginalised by higher ranking members whom they report to.
Two weeks ago, a similar incident occurred at the Boksburg North Police Station. SAPS members called for the suspension of the Station Commander as they had lost faith in his leadership.
As pointed out by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), it is clear that there is a lack of confidence and trust in the police – both internally and externally.
This is confirmed by data released by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID), who in 2013/14, received 9 000 reports of police wrongdoing.
Of the 9 000 reported incidents only 83 convictions and 135 disciplinary convictions were secured.
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Lesetjal Mothiba must ensure that skilled and competent officers are in command.
It is equally important that competent officers are retained, and not shifted to other provinces, as has recently been the case with Major General Phumza Gela’s redeployment to the Free State.
Failure to do so will perpetuate malaise within the SAPS at the detriment of citizens of Gauteng.
I will submit questions to Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, to establish what criteria is being used to assess the competence of officers selected to hold senior positions within the SAPS, and what is being done to address the discontent experienced by officers in stations across the province.
