Alleged recruitment corruption is under investigation

“It is with concern that the Provincial Office management is aware of allegations that are swirling around on social media platforms regarding recruitment-related corruption leveled against a captain,” a statement released by the provincial police read.

According to the social media posts, the captain in question is selling jobs and replacing those who are successfully shortlisted with those willing to pay bribes.

A concerned resident, who asked to remain anonymous, says she witnessed many children within her community being affected by this issue.  “Our children apply for jobs within the police, but they all seem to fail,” she said.

Shortlisted learners are either called at the last minute or not at all, according to the resident. It has happened that learners who have not been notified that they have been shortlisted show up at the venue hoping to be squeezed in, only to find their names on the list but not called,” she says.

A learner who asked to remain anonymous says she was visiting a relative in Johannesburg earlier this year when she received a message at 20:00 to write a test in Potchefstroom at 08:00 the following morning. Due to a lack of funds, she was unable to attend. “How is that fair? Even though we are unemployed, we have plans.

A few hours’ notice is not enough for us to prepare,” she said. “It is obvious that they are doing it on purpose so they can place the people they want.” 

According to police spokesperson Col Adele Myburgh, an internal investigation into the allegations is underway. The police manage-ment, under the leadership of the provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, would like to make it clear that criminal activi-ties, including corruption, cannot be condoned within the ranks of the SAPS, irrespective of whom it may be.  “Members of the community who have any information or evidence regarding the alleged corruption are urged to call 082 856 0995.  Information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” Myburgh said. Alternatively, the public can also report any act of corruption by call-ing the anti-corruption hotline at 0800 701 701.