Law enforcement agencies must lead by example at all times
The Ministry of Police has noted an alleged scuffle that broke out between members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Protection and Security Services and the Tshwane Metro police over “illegally-parked vehicles” in Pretoria, as reported in 702 radio station news bulletin this morning.
According to the report, a scuffle broke out after members of the Protection Unit parked their cars illegally and when these were impounded, a ‘fist fight’ broke. Equally disturbing is that management from both parties were called in to resolve this scuffle. We expect of police management to meet in order to pave a way forward, share expertise on how to keep communities safe and not to meet to resolve illegally-parked vehicles.
The ministry will, through an internal departmental enquiry investigate these allegations because we find such reports not only disturbing but utterly embarrassing to the whole cause of fighting and reducing crime in South Africa. We have criss-crossed the country, building relationships with communities, business, civic organisations and other vital role-players across the country as such we shall not allow such comical acts to dampen society’s confidence in police.
The leadership of police has over-emphasized that all police officers must abide by the law, including when it comes to parking. We need men and women of honour to serve and protect society but those whose behaviour is contrary to our cause, we shall be hard on them.
The ministry takes these reports seriously hence we shall investigate the matter with immediacy. Those who are found to have compromised the integrity of the Force must be dealt with accordingly.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police
Cell: 082 045 4024
