The South African Police Union (SAPU) is calling for a commission of inquiry into the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence unit.
This after the arrest of the head of crime intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo, and other senior officials in the unit last week. The union believes lawlessness cannot continue unchallenged within the police division.
Member of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, Dianne Kohler Barnard says the arrest of Khumalo is reminiscent of the past.
“There are things that have gone on in crime intelligence for so many years that I am the least surprised to hear that people have been arrested, but on the other hand, I am happy to see that people are being held to account, finally,” says Barnard.
The police unit also has a record of its then boss Richard Mdluli facing corruption charges. Mdluli was also convicted for kidnapping, assault and intimidation.
SAPU believes a commission of inquiry is needed to cleanse the crime intelligence unit.
Union Spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale says, “If there is a panel of experts that are appointed, they will look into all the areas that has to deal with accountability from there it will help with cleansing or revamping of crime intelligence because if there is no inquiry that is held to look into the revamping of crime intelligence, from time to time we will still continue to hear stories coming from there, from time to time there would be those leaders who are found wanting and that will tell us that we are dealing with only a fraction and not the bigger problem.”
While allegations against Khumalo are yet to be proven, Crime Intelligence specialist, Chad Thomas, says the developments are compelling.
“This could be a massive purge of criminal elements within the police. It could also be seen as targeting certain members and not the rest of the members within police, but I think from lower rankers going up to the higher rankers, it is good to see senior people being held to account for very serious allegations,” says
President of the Independent Police Union of South Africa, Bethuel Nkuna, is worried that the public confidence in police will be affected.
“These kinds of arrest are weakening all law enforcement efforts and also diminishes the public’s confidence in the police and we call out the powers that be to root out all forms of corruption,” says Nkuna.
Khumalo and his co-accused will be back in court in August.
SAPU calls for a commission of inquiry into SAPS crime intelligence unit:
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