Minister Plato Requests Information on Corrupt Cops

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

Following the information from Western Cape Police Commissioner General Arno Lamoer's office that 79 police officers have been arrested for corruption over the past nine months, I will be asking for further information relating to these cases in order for my office to identify possible trends and weaknesses so that we can assist the police in dealing with these occurrences in a proactive manner.

The majority of police officers are hardworking individuals who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our citizens. However, there are a few bad apples and I am glad that the general has taken decisive action against these corrupt individuals, and I welcome this zero-tolerance approach.

In terms of my oversight role, I will be requesting more information on these cases in order to identify systemic problems, ensure that these kinds of incidents don't occur in the future and improve community-police relations.

Effective oversight over the South African Police Service (SAPS) as written in the constitution requires provincial governments to, among other responsibilities, "monitor police conduct, oversee the effectiveness and efficiency of the police service, including receiving reports on the police service and to promote good relations between the police and the community".

Assessing the information relating to the 79 police officers arrested for corruption will allow my department to potentially identify important trends or weaknesses that are allowing the corruption to take place.

In my meeting with General Lamoer on Monday, I will be requesting more information on these cases, and look forward to working with the general towards ensuring a more efficient and corruption-free police service for the communities of the Western Cape.