Policewoman told of probe over speaking to media
By Cecile Greyling
Source: The Herald Online
Grahamstown – A junior policewoman has been told she is being investigated by a national task team on suspicion of talking to the media about her transfer to a station in Ciskei.
The sergeant, who had not been named, said yesterday she was feeling increasing pressure from police management. She had been “called in by her captain” and was later told by another captain from the Grahamstown area headquarters that she was being investigated and had to “come in and make a statement”.
It was reported earlier that the sacking of eight directors had been done in great secrecy and that anyone who spoke to the media faced instant dismissal without pay. However, provincial police spokesman Marinda Mills said there was “no instruction” and “no mention” of a witch-hunt to smoke out disgruntled policemen who had been talking to the media. “It seems that captain is throwing out fish to see who takes the bait.”
She said any member who suspected they were being investigated should ask for a written copy of any instructions and should contact their area commissioner. She said the police did have official channels to address grievances. “We do have a policy that steps may be taken against members who bring the name of the service in disrepute.”
More than 200 Eastern Cape policemen have joined forces with attorneys from Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth in legal action against their placements. – ECN
