7 June 2002
The arrest of seventeen police officials from the Pietermaritzburg area in KwaZulu-Natal on various charges of corruption has bitterly disappointed me as National Commissioner.
All members of the SA Police Service are entrusted with a constitutional duty to uphold the law and to serve the citizens of this country. They are expected to do so with pride and dignity.
I do not want to prematurely judge these police officials before they appear in court. But I would like to state that these arrests should be a clear warning to any police official contemplating wrong-doing - you will inevitably be found out and arrested.
Corrupt police officials bring disgrace and shame not only on themselves, but on their families and each and every one of their colleagues.
The majority of our members are honest and dedicated, many of them even sacrifice their own lives for the love of their community and their country. All honest police officials should turn their backs on their crooked counterparts and ensure that they are brought to justice.
Congratulations to the detectives who lifted the veil on this group's alleged scurrilous activities. In the SA Police Service we pride ourselves on the fact that we take decisive action against our own when they are suspected of criminal activities.
To the other police officials in KwaZulu-Natal, on behalf of top management I must urge you to keep your heads up and keep up the good work.
Enquiries: Director Sally de Beer : 082 809 2232
Issued by the Office of the National Commissioner, South African Police Service, 7 June 2002