Pretoria – A group of 21 police officers have been dismissed as part of National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega’s effort to clean up and professionalise the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The officials, including constables, captains and sergeants, were all dismissed on 30 July 2015 for departmental and criminal offences they had committed in September 2014.
They were criminally charged with corruption, theft and defeating the ends of justice, following their dismissal as members of the organisation during their departmental trial.
The members from different units in Welkom and Thabong were arrested by the Hawks last year after months of intense investigation.
“The officials were arrested after the gathering of intensive intelligence information about illegal activities involving gold-dust in the goldfields area.
“During the departmental trial, the deliberations were more based on their involvement in offences ranging from contravening the Precious Metals Act, defeating the ends of justice, theft, corruption and money laundering in Gold-Fields,” said the police.
General Phiyega said this sanction was an example that corruption and misconduct will not be tolerated within the ranks of SAPS.
“One of the primary reasons I have ordered the setting up of the National Trial Investigative Unit is to speedily investigate and deal with rogue police officers. I urge every member of the SAPS to let these dismissals be a reminder of what the outcome will be if any member is caught transgressing,” said General Phiyega.
The former members will appear in the Welkom Magistrate Court for a trial, which is expected to start in September. – SAnews.gov.za
