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Today it was revealed in the Police Portfolio Committee that Section 35 of the SAPS Act is being used as a “back door” for SAPS members under criminal investigation to leave the service with severance pay and monthly pension payouts.

I have today written to the Auditor-General to request that an investigation be conducted into the legality of using Section 35 of the Act in this manner.

This practice came to light after reports emerged that Joey Mabasa, the disgraced former Gauteng Crime Intelligence head, had been discharged with a R3.5 million golden handshake and an inflated pension payout. This occurred despite an ongoing investigation into his criminal activities.

In addition to Mabasa, 19 other SAPS members have been discharged under Section 35, despite their circumstances being totally unrelated to the provisions of this section of the SAPS Act

The situation is made worse by the fact that it was National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele who apparently gave the order that Mabasa be discharged under Section 35.

If Mabasa is found guilty following the investigation of bribery and corruption that is pending against him, the SAPS cannot recoup the money paid out to him.

This is a further indication of the growing criminality and lack of accountability that has become so prevalent under the leadership of National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele. He should have been removed from his position months ago when his wrongdoing in the unlawful SAPS lease deals first emerged.

The position of national police commissioner should not be filled by corrupt politicians and unqualified civilians. Bheki Cele must be removed from his position and replaced with a competent, experienced police officer.