SAPS to fall under watchful eye of disciplinary unit
"We are confident that this unit will firstly serve to speedily finalise departmental cases and secondly serve as huge deterrent to any potential wrongdoers within our ranks."
MBOMBELA – Misbehaving police officials’ days are numbered thanks to the newly instated National Disciplinary Trial Unit. This unit will focus on curbing misconduct within the force, thereby rebuilding the public’s confidence in the police system.
According to a press release by SAPS, the public’s confidence has been eroded due to inconsistencies in the disciplinary system, like the long period before any disciplinary action is taken against a corrupt official. A second objection against the disciplinary procedures of these officials, is the fact that they still get paid even while suspended. Some tax payers label this as wasteful expenditure.
SAPS have already begun to recruit members who will man the new unit.
According to a press release, the unit will consist of members “whose integrity is beyond reproach, have been vetted and are not facing any criminal or disciplinary proceedings. The incoming recruits for the new unit will be sourced from the ranks of a lieutenant to the colonel, and they must have some experience in investigations, have a background in human resources, labour relation or law, coupled with labour law as one of the subjects.”
The appointment of the unit and its members are in line with the police’s strategic plan for 2014-2019.
“We are confident that this unit will firstly serve to speedily finalise departmental cases and secondly serve as huge deterrent to any potential wrongdoers within our ranks,” said the National Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega.
