MEC Manana condemns perpetual disappearance of exhibits at police stations

5 November 2009 

Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Sibongile Manana has condemned perpetual disappearance of exhibits at police stations in the province.

This follows the stealing of more than R500 000 at Middelburg Organised Crime Unit’s safe this week.

In all incidences it is suspected that it is an inside job. In August this year, illegal drugs worth more than R3, 7 million disappeared from Nelspruit Police Station.  

Manana has subsequently called on police management to thoroughly screen police officers before recruiting into the police force.  

She said all police members new and old should be vetted because it is believed that the police service is highly infiltrated by criminal elements.

“We must subject all future applicants to thorough security checks and not only limit our scope to a mere verification of criminal record so that we could minimise recruiting criminals into our force” said Manana.

She said she was concerned that such acts tarnished the image of the police.

“The little trust the community still have on the police will be taken away by such unacceptable behaviour” said Manana. 

“We have to be brutal so that this will come to an end. We have instructed an investigation; those found guilty should be expelled from the police service. Corrupt officers are not wanted in the province, “said Manana.

“If we are serious about combating crime, we must rid ourselves of the criminal elements first, “said Manana.

MEC Manana on Thursday, 5 November 2009, visited the Middelburg Organised Crime Unit unannounced and was briefed by the Station Commander regarding the incident.

Enquiries:

Zibonele Mncwango 
Tel: 013 766 4018
Cell: 072 159 1865

Issued by: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison

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