WCGov wants probe into alleged SAPS and gangs

The Western Cape Government has expressed concern after a court judgement suggested that there could be a link between the police and gang groups in the province.

The judgement was delivered last Monday by the Western Cape High Court, alleging that the 28-gang members have infiltrated not only lower ranking officers, but the top management structures of SAPS in the Western Cape, as well.

In his ruling, Judge Daniel Thulare suggested that gang members has access to the table where the Western Cape Police Commissioner, sits with his senior managers, and accessing key documents and strategies on crime fighting in the province.

Premier Alan Winde says he has requested the provincial Police Ombudsman, to investigate if a commission of inquiry should be established.

‘’This matter cannot be ignored any longer by Police Minister Bheki Cele and the national government. In the absence of decisive action from them over a considerable amount of time, we as the Western Cape Government (WCG) are committed to addressing this critical issue,”

“We hope to finally address and stem the rot that is alleged to have set in within the SAPS under Minister Cele’s watch. There is also no doubt in my mind that President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to fire Minister Cele. How much longer can the President allow him to keep this critical cabinet position, in light of these serious allegations against SAPS?”,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said he’s horrified by the judge’s findings

‘’I am horrified by the judge’s words, and I commend him for denying bail to the accused involved in this case. Various current and previous cases have highlighted the alleged corrupt relationship between certain SAPS members and gangsters.’’

Allen said he met with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on Thursday, who agreed that they will investigate the matter.

‘’I am, however, deeply concerned that the results of IPID investigations would ultimately land at Minister Cele’s door, and we know he hasn’t taken any further steps on this in the past. In the interests of Western Cape residents, who suffer gang violence on a daily basis, we therefore need to take our own steps.”

“The SAPS officers allegedly implicated do not deserve their blue uniform, as their alleged primary aim is not to serve and protect our residents, but allegedly to serve and protect the gangs. If this is the case, it is at the expense of our communities,’’ he added.

SAPS said that they will probe the allegations

“The SAPS has taken note of and is in the process of studying the judgment delivered by Western Cape High Court Judge Daniel Thulare,’’ said SAPS Spokesperson, Mathapelo Peters.

“The SAPS views the allegations made in the judgment as serious and concerning. The allegations will therefore be investigated by the relevant environments within the service,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George