Pretoria - The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an internal anti-corruption unit aimed at fighting fraud and corruption within the police force.
Announced by National Commissioner General Riah Phiyega at the launch of the Free State Province Crime Prevention Strategy on Thursday, the unit will uproot criminal conduct and increase professionalism within the police service.
The unit is expected to start operating during the current financial year.
“If we are to successfully fight crime in the country, we must first get our house in order. We must fight crime with clean hands. We will therefore not shy away from taking action against our own. We will certainly do it with boldness,” said Phiyega.
Over the past 12 months until March, disciplinary action has led to the dismissal of 415 officials countrywide. This was for various acts of criminality, including corruption and fraud.
Over the past three months to June, 110 members have been dismissed for similar offences.
Phiyega said the new unit would provide a significant contribution to accelerate government’s initiatives to fight corruption and fraud such as an Anti-corruption Task Team.
“It will ultimately contribute to the realisation of the National Development Plan (NDP) objectives of establishing a functioning anti-corruption system that is adequately resourced and enjoys operational independence to ensure thoroughness and objectivity," Phiyega added. - SAnews.gov.za
