The Portfolio Committee on Police has expressed its displeasure at the rate in which the South African Police Services (SAPS) processes security clearances for its officials.
The Committee was particularly concerned to hear that officials such as those working in the VIP protection and Static protection units did not possess active security clearances. Committee Chairperson Ms Annelize van Wyk said the lack of security clearance for these officials constituted a security risk as these officers guard VIPs and National Key Points.
The Committee was also concerned to learn that the majority of officers in the Crime Intelligence Unit, including its acting head and five provincial heads, were not in possession of active security clearances. The Committee said this could expose the SAPS to corruption within the crime intelligence environment. These members often work undercover and if, for example, they should have financial problems this might make them susceptible to the offer of bribes and unscrupulous elements.
The Committee ordered SAPS to ensure that the process was speeded up and that, henceforth, the vetting process was completed and a security clearance issued within the stipulated timeframes.
The Committee said this on Friday, 11 October 2013, during the tabling of SAPS’ annual report, which started on Tuesday, 8 October.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, Ms Annelize van Wyk, please contact:
Temba Gubula (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8307
Cell: 078 735 8809
E-mail: tgubula@parliament.gov.za
