Allegations against Western Cape Police Commissioner – Justice must prevail | Western Cape Government

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Allegations against Western Cape Police Commissioner – Justice must prevail

17 April 2015

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

I welcome the decision by the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to move forward on the allegations and investigation into the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer, who is set to appear in court today on serious criminal charges.

I also welcome Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer’s cooperation with the authorities thus far.

I am however concerned that this matter has been dragging on since 2013, and I believe the uncertainty created in the public around the allegations against this province’s ‘top cop’ has had a seriously destabilising effect on policing in the province.

The safety of the people of the Western Cape must remain a top priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS). We trust that the matter will be concluded swiftly and that, if guilty, justice will be served. I am aware of the allegations regarding political interference when the matter was first raised in the media but trust that this will not have any influence on this case.

As part of the Department of Community Safety’s oversight function over policing in the province, I have requested the Department’s innovative Court Watching Briefs unit to monitor the case.

We cannot allow any wrong move in the procedures towards justice with regards to the charges laid against SAPS senior management.

Whether justice is served in exoneration or conviction will determine the person responsible for the police in the Western Cape and that he or she is able to deliver the quality of policing services this province requires and maintain the confidence of the people of the province.

Media Enquiries: 

Ewald Botha
Spokesperson for Minister Plato
Cell: 079 694 1113