The officers who were charged with corruption allegedly tried to elicit a bribe from a tavern owner after they raided his outlet. Known for his tough stance on corruption, Balatse warned his juniors and the public on 25 October that he will not hesitate to act both against corrupt police officers and members of the community. During an anti-crime imbizo at the Mashamplana informal settlement in Diepsloot, Balatse said, “There is no excuse for corruption. I don’t care who is the source. I will continue to deal with the corrupt people in my own backyard, as well as the corrupt members of this community.”
According to Warrant Officer Daniel Mavimbela, head of communications for Diepsloot police, since Balatse’s appointment as station commander four Diepsloot police officers have had to answer to charges of corruption. Two have since been expelled from police service while the case against the two officers who were recently charged with corruption is still pending.
Mavimbela said Balatse himself arrested two men who tried to bribe him with R5 000. The men allegedly wanted Balatse to use his power to help them gain control of a Diepsloot church. The men were subsequently convicted and sentenced in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court.
Saturday’s community imbizo was attended by hundreds of community members. Honeydew Cluster Commander, Major General Oswald Reddy, also attended the imbizo to show his support for Balatse.
Colonel Balatse is set to visit all twelve extensions in Diepsloot to spread his anti-corruption message. Extension 1, popularly known as “the reception area”, will be his next stop in November.
