Eblockwatch founder puts his neck on the line in fight against corrupt police officers
A viral video has thrust Andre Snyman, from eblockwatch, into the spotlight after he confronted officers accused of extorting a local worker. He’s now willing to put his neck out to stand up against corruption.
André Snyman, the 72-year-old founder of eblockwatch, a community-driven neighbourhood watch and safety network, took no nonsense when he learned that a local bakkie owner had allegedly been extorted by police.
The driver was stopped near Diepsloot by the police, according to Snyman, and was asked to produce his license, which he didn’t have it with him. He was then asked to pay a bribe.
The driver immediately phoned Snyman’s son, who relayed the problem to his father. Snyman wasted no time. After demanding the exact location, he set off at once to intervene.
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Snyman captured a video that has since gone viral. In it, he was fuming with anger as he demanded the return of the extorted money, questioned why the other officers are not arresting the real culprit, and says plenty more as he confronted them.
He said his frustration came from the fact that this was not his first time dealing with such incidents. “As the founder of eblockwatch, we get to deal with a lot of cases like this, so it’s really frustrating having people who think that they can get away with corruption.”
Snyman said vulnerable members of the public are often targeted and intimidated into handing over money.
“The people affected are usually ordinary people trying to make an honest living, because what normally happens in a situation like this is that the police stop you and take your driver’s licence. They then hold your driver’s licence and make you go and withdraw money for a bribe.”
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His no-holds-barred approach led to a police officer apologising on camera. Snyman believes the officer was caught up with the wrong group.
“That lady looked like such a wonderful, clean, nice, decent person, but she’s been hooked in at the bottom with senior officers hanging around, totally intimidated. If she doesn’t take part in it, she’s victimised.”
What concerns Snyman most is the fear that prevents many victims from speaking out. Rather than stepping back, Snyman has chosen to use his extensive community network to help bridge the gap between residents and law enforcement authorities.
“Basically, I’m putting my neck out, but what the hell? I think being part of a network like eblockwatch levels the playing field, because as soon as the police officers realise that that person sitting in the car is one of my members, they think differently about the way they treat them.”
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According to a statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the police officer featured in the video has been identified, and immediate disciplinary processes have been instituted.
A departmental investigation has also been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“All SAPS members are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism, in compliance with the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the SAPS code of conduct, and all applicable legislative and policy frameworks.”
Members of the public are urged not to offer bribes and to report any allegations of corruption or extortion involving SAPS members through the following channels:
- SAPS Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701,
- SAPS National Complaints Service Centre: 0800 333 177,
- Corruption Watch WhatsApp Line: 072 013 5569,
- Gauteng Service Complaints Standby: 082 442 2000, or
- Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
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