Police accused of involvement in livestock
loss
This emerged during a meeting between Shongwe and the livestock owners
held in Bethal in December.
Thobile
Mlangeni | 7 December 2013 16:18
BETHAL –
Bethal livestock owners have called on Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security
and Liaison MEC, Mr Vusi Shongwe to investigate allegations that some police
members attached to Bethal Stock Theft Unit could be involved in the loss and
death of the community’s livestock.
This
emerged during a meeting between Shongwe and the livestock owners held in
Bethal in December.
According
to Mr Joseph Mabuza, spokesman for the department, the owners believe that some
of the cases were not thoroughly investigated and alleged that this suggests
that some police members were involved. They also allege that some cases end up
being withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
They told
Shongwe that some of the unit members also owned livestock, something which
they suppose has a potential of affecting investigations of livestock theft
cases. It was also heard that some owners were allegedly abused by farm owners
where they reside. They further allege to be threatened by some members of the
police when opening cases at the police station.
When
responding to the allegations, SAPS’s Major General Wilson Kekana said that
corruption cannot be tolerated in the police sector.
“It is
not allowed in our force for an officer to have businesses that directly have a
conflict with their responsibilities. Police know that they must declare their
business interests and can be charged if they fail to do so,” said Kekana.
He said
that they will investigate these allegations and if there is any substance to
them, appropriate action would be taken.
He called
on livestock owners to submit evidence in order to back up their allegations to
enable police management to take appropriate action if any wrong doing is
found.
Meanwhile,
Shongwe said that such allegations could dent the image of government while
negatively affecting communities’ faith in the police and therefore SAPS
Management needed to act swiftly to deal with the claims.
He added
that if the allegations were true, those who were involved should be completely
removed from the force as there is no place for corrupt officers.
“We have
programmes in our department which are aimed at raising awareness about the
safe keeping of livestock. Statistics show an increase of stock theft in the
province, we continue to urge owners to brand their cattle and ensure that it
is looked after at all times,” concluded Shongwe.
