The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is concerned that the lack of stability in the leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is responsible for the inability to create a proper correct culture of compliance within the institution.

Scopa is also shocked to learn that the Public Service Commission was simply ignored by the Minister of Police when they wrote him a letter identifying officials in SAPS with potential conflict of interest and those who did not declare, in three successive years. This shows a lack of political commitment in the fight against corruption and disregard for the Public Service Commission as a Chapter 10 institution.

The Committee is also concerned that SAPS appears to be dragging its feet in investigating cases that would have been concluded much earlier, something which does not assist in quickly nipping in the bud any instances of financial misconduct by officials.

Scopa notes the commitment of the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Lesetja Mothiba, to investigate these matters as a matter of priority and report back to the Committee by the end of this month.

 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of Scopa, Mr Themba Godi