271 guilty Gauteng cops still serving

MORE than 270 police officers in Gauteng who have been found guilty of committing serious crimes are still in their jobs.

This was revealed in the Gauteng legislature when DA spokeswoman for community safety Michele Clarke asked MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane about policing in the province, including how many police officers, who had been convicted by a court, were still serving.

Nkosi-Malobane said there were 271, adding that 248 of these had been convicted of serious crimes.

The MEC said an internal investigation was conducted, and that in serious cases, a notice of suspension was served on the member immediately, and upon receipt of the representation, the member might be suspended, depending on the merits of the case.

Clarke said that in his State of the Province Address, Premier David Makhura had mentioned he would take a tough stance on crime and rebuild confidence in the police.

“It is hard to imagine how this will be achieved when there are convicted criminals within the ranks of the SAPS,” Clarke said.

She said closer scrutiny and background checks should be done to ensure “that the good guys in blue are not tarnished by nefarious characters”.

Clarke said the DA would be demanding that the individuals be relieved of their duties.