Posted by Contributor on Nov 26, 2013
The DA is concerned at allegations that the use of the South African
Police Services’ (SAPS) so-called “Mess Fund” to fund a half a million rand
bash for top SAPS members and their spouses will not be audited.
If this is so, this leaves
the door wide open for the misappropriation of SAPS funds that could be better
utilised on improving the conditions of police stations and providing critical
resources to officers.
We need to know whether
this is yet another slush fund, similar to the Crime Intelligence slush fund,
which was allegedly looted by Richard Mdluli and his cronies.
- According to media reports the half a million
rand bill for the exclusive shindig was spent on:
- Hotel and guest house accommodation for 140
guests for two nights;
- A dinner bill amounting to approximately R54
000;
- R76 000 for 80 Prestigio tablets;
- Return airfare tickets for officers and
spouses;
- At least 20 colonels are scheduled to be put
up in a four star hotel at approximately R1 480 for a double room; and
- Private transport from George to Oudtshoorn
and back again.
The DA will be submitting parliamentary
questions to Police Minister NathiMthethwa to ascertain the following:
- What is the “Mess Fund”? How is it funded? Who
decides on what these funds are utilised for? What have these
“semi-official” funds been used for?
- Is the “Mess Fund” part of the 2013/14 SAPS
budget?
- What is the total amount in the “Mess Fund”?
- What financial monitoring mechanisms – if any
– are in place to ensure these funds are not misappropriated?
It is unacceptable that the
SAPS would spend half a million rand on an exclusive bash for only a few SAPS
members. It is an insult to lower-ranked SAPS members who are struggling to get
by financially.
The government has
continued to use public funding brazenly, at the expense of quality service
delivery for those who need it. The DA will continue to hold government
accountable until it tightens its purse strings.
Statement issued by Dianne
Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, November 25 2013
