Shongwe targets corrupt police
Media Statement
26 November 2010
Mpumalanga is intending to conduct roadblocks
aimed at arresting police officers who will be
founf misusing state vehicles or driving them
without permits.
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi
Shongwe made the announcement on Friday at a
hand-over ceremony of 79 new police vehicles to
the police stations.
MEC Shongwe said there was too much corruption in
the police service and simple roadblocks could assist
remove them from the system.
Shongwe said he was aware that communities’ complaints
that lack of police vans at the stations were due to
misuse by the officers who utilised to do their private
things.
“People are raising genuine concerns out there. It is
true that some officers are corrupt and misuse police
vans by visiting their girlfriends, ferry people or
transport illegal goods using these vehicles.
“From now on, will stop each and every police vehicle
we see on the road and check if the occupants do have a
permits or are in their right place of operation.
“Anyone who will be found to be wrong side of the law
they will be arrested. We cannot tolerate corrupt
officers; they will all be flushed out of the system.
We rather have few good instead of the huge number
of ineffective police officers,” said MEC Shongwe.
The MEC explained that it was a responsibility for police
officers to ensure that they had credibility from the
public. He said they needed to treat the vehicles as if
they owned them.
“Keep these vehicles new, I do not want to see scratches,
these are your working tools, they are yours,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Community Policing Forum Provincial
Chairperson, Mandla Mphuti appreciated Mpumalamga SAPS management
saying the tools will enhance police visibility in the communities.
Mphuti added that there would be no excuses from the police for
not attending to crime scenes.
He emphasised that the officers who will be utilising the vehicles
be trained for advanced driving in order for the vehicles to remain
in good condition.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Contacts: 013 766 4055/ 082 678 1450
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