23 March 2009
Mpumalanga Safety and Security MEC, Mr Siphosezwe Masango warned new police
officers against corruption.
MEC Masango warned the officers during a graduation of over 600 young men
and women into the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday at a
ceremony held in Witbank.
The MEC was quick to point out that corrupt officers were not wanted in the
service because they were tarnishing the good image and integrity of the
police. âPolicing is an essential service with very little financial rewards.
Those who want to become rich should resign and pursue business because they
will be tempted to fall for corruption.
âPolicing is among the critical professions in South Africa which provide a
service and at the same time use force where necessary to ensure safety and
security of citizens,â said Masango.
He urged the new recruits to behave in a manner consistent with the values
of the police service. âAs you join the police service, know that not
everything will be easy. You will need to work for your people with respect and
integrity. Financial rewards will sometimes not be sufficient and people will
try to bribe you in order to perform illegal activities,â he said.
In enhancing the dignity of the police service, Masango said the officers
should be disciplined and not drink while on duty and have positive attitude
towards the communities they serve.
He added that discipline should begin with them as they showed act of
heroism, courage and self-sacrifice for serving others by joining the police
service. He explained that their conduct and attitude should reflect
selflessness and love for people of South Africa.
âYou should be patriotic about South Africa and its people. All citizens,
Black, White, Coloureds, Indians and Foreigners depend on your service for
their safety and security. Respect your colleagues and your job.
âWhether you have financial and other personal problems, walk with pride and
instill a sense of fear to criminals while at the same time you render a
friendly service,â he said. Emalahleni Executive Mayor Clr. Linah Malatji said
education was vital for police in ensuring among other things proper writing of
statements.
She said that it (education) would also ensure high conviction rate at the
courts, which would send a strong message to would-be criminals that crime does
not pay.
Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga SAPS Acting Provincial Commissioner, Rex Machabi
said while he welcomed the new recruits, it pained him that SAPS lost many
young officers due to dismissals from ill-discipline.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
23 March 2009
Source: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
(http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/safetysecurity)
