Police corruption a threat to safety in communities

THE SUBJECT of fraud and corruption has been a prevailing phenomenon in organisations and the public sector. It is even worse when you hear acts of corruption having been committed by law enforcement officers.

The police’s lack of humanity and consideration for the public whom it serves is worrisome. Corruption and the blatant disregard for the law creates mistrust in the leadership of law enforcement. Some officers have reportedly been soliciting bribes from suspects and victims as well as residents. During the Covid-19 lockdown, officers acted with impunity.

Research indicates that law enforcement agencies are most susceptible to bribery, especially by receiving money in return for favours.

Corruption is difficult to measure. Even though its manifestation can be identified, there is an inability to quantify its extent. To curb corruption, the fostering of integrity has been proposed. This can be understood as a learning curve of a law enforcement official to resist the temptation to abuse their powers.

The 2020 edition of Corruption Watch’s Analysis of Corruption

Trends report, demonstrates growing concerns about corruption levels. The report illustrates that the public’s will to expose the corrupt remains strong.

Almost 2 000 people blew the whistle on corruption during the first half of the year. This is an increase of more than 400 reports. Almost 55% of the reports came in after the national state of disaster was announced.

Thirteen percent allege corruption in the SAPS, while municipal offices, schools, and traffic and licensing centres each account for 5% of the reports, and the health sector comes in at 4%. Together, they constitute around