Pretoria – Police will be keeping a close eye on their own this financial year, as they intensify efforts to root out corruption within their ranks.
According to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, speaking during his department’s Budget Vote in Parliament, the prevention, detection and investigation of corruption within the SAPS will be a major focus area for 2011/12.
“Emphasis will be put on the implementation of the SAPS’ Anti-Corruption Strategy aimed at curbing corruption and punishing those members with evil intentions,” he said.
In the past financial year, 119 SAPS members were dismissed after allegations of fraud and corruption against them were investigated.
A further 44 police officials at ports of entries were investigated for various criminal charges, and face additional charges through SAPS internal disciplinary procedures.
Another major focus for police in the current financial year will be Local Government Elections. With the elections a little more than a month away, Mthethwa said the SAPS were geared up for it.
“South Africa’s security forces have been preparing for over a year and are now ready to ensure that yet another major event takes place in a peaceful environment. We are working closely with all the stakeholders in this regard for the local government elections,” he said. – BuaNews
