Issued by: Secretariat for Safety and Security
MEDIA STATEMENT BY AZHAR CACHALIA SECRETARY FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY PRETORIA : 24 JANUARY 1996
An investigation was launched by the organised crime unit of the South African Police Service, as a result of a charge of theft against the police by a Diepkloof resident Mr Clifford Ncobo.
Mr Ncobo alleged that his company vehicle was illegally impounded, returned to him after it was allegedly stripped of parts and damaged.
As part of the investigation, an undercover operation was carried out on January 23, 1996, at the police pound in Soweto. Certain policemen purchased certain parts of vehicles from certain policemen who are stationed at the camp.
I am informed that three members of the police were caught red-handed, illegally selling parts of vehicles and immediately arrested. They are:
0448005-8 Constable Chaba Gideon Keetlie (Vehicle Theft Unit - Soweto) 0627429-3 Sergeant Wiseman Mgadzi Magebule (Uniform Branch: SAP 13 Storage Camp - Soweto) 0450053-9 Constable Lepolisa Samuel Malaka (Uniform Branch: SAP 13 Storage Camp - Soweto)
I understand that further arrests are imminent. The arrested members will probably appear in the Hillbrow Magistrates Court today and they are presently being held in custody at the Hillbrow Police Station. Their immediate suspension is under consideration by the Area Commissioner. Investigations are continuing in this regard.
At this stage it is not clear whether they will also be charged in respect of the complaint that was laid by Mr Ncobo.
I want to congratulate members of the Organised Crime Unit who have, in a very professional manner, carried out the operation. This can only assist in restoring the credibilty of the South African Police Service, particulary in areas like Soweto.
I will visit the Police Pound in Soweto, as well as other sites in Soweto, tommorrow in order to carry out a personal inspection of the areas where there have been allegations of Police involvement in corruption.
I once again call on the public to lay complaints against the Police to assist the Department in its war against corruption. It is only with the assistance of the public that the Department will be able to crack this type of crime. I believe that the response by the Police to complaints from the residents of the Soweto community is the single most important factor in nurturing a cordial working relationship between the police and the community.