The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has noted with concern what he terms image-tarnishing, worrying and serious allegations made by Hanif Loonat, Chairman of the Western Cape Community Policing Forum, and criminologist Eldred de Klerk in an article published in today’s The Times newspaper, page 5.

In the article it is stated, quote: “gang bosses are professionals who use their vast wealth to buy information from the authorities. There are police officers who give them information, who tell them what the police’s plans are.  They have people at ministerial level, in parliament, in local government.  These guys pay for information. They keep the foot soldiers as dumb and as ignorant as possible. They recruit no-hopers in the community and they can control them like zombies. The police should be subjected to regular polygraph tests – unfortunately that is not happening enough.”

“I view these remarks in serious light and challenge both Loonat and de Klerk to come forward with evidence to back up their claims.  Should they be proven true, they could compromise and derail efforts of crime reduction, not only in the Western Cape but the whole country.  Indeed if the claims are true, the law would have to take its course irrespective of whoever is involved.”

The Minister further cautioned against generalisation when people raise complaints against the police, particularly via media platforms.  “Police are not immune to criticism as much as civilians are not, however we want to caution against grandstanding.  If there are any allegations of collusion between police and criminals, government has various oversight structures such as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the Civilian Secretariat for Police as well as the Presidential Hotline which they can utilise to report such matters.  At times we have seen people phoning radio stations or going to newspapers to make allegations, when we investigate further, we discover that they were general remarks which cannot be proven. That is unfortunate and we hope on this matter, that is not the case.”

“Let us reiterate that our crime-reduction programmes are centred on partnerships, particularly with CPFs.  Community policing is our policing approach that seeks to form a reciprocal partnership between the community and police to improve levels of safety.  The police and the community work together to identify problems and to develop solutions collectively.  At the same time, the approach enables the community to hold the police accountable for the delivery of policing services that address their needs,” he stated.

The same approach applies to researchers and criminologist.  “Criminologists have a role to play in assisting government with empirical research and knowledge data in our crime fighting efforts.  As a police leadership we value such partnerships as they enhance our strategy, which speaks to achieving a goal of building a society where all law-abiding citizens will enjoy dignified and safe lives.  And when they raise such scathing allegations, we would expect them to bring forth any evidence to support their allegations.”

Zweli Mnisi
Chief Director: Communications/Spokesperson
Ministry of Police
Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)12 393 4341 & +27 (0)21 467 7007
Fax: +27 (0)12 393 2833 & +27 (0)21 467 7033
Mobile: +27 (0)82 045 4024

Website: www.saps.gov.za