The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s (GPL) Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed concerns over allegations that members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Tshwane are working together with drug dealers in the city.

The Committee has received reports that SAPS members allegedly prevented Tshwane Emergency services personnel from extinguishing a fire in a building alleged to be occupied by drug dealers in an effort to protect the alleged perpetrators.  It is alleged that members of the community set the building alight as a way of fighting the scourge of drug dealing in the city.

The Committee views these allegations in a very serious light as it confirms the committee’s long held view that the prevalence of drug dealing in society can only thrive when law enforcement officers are involved in drug related corruption.

Drug related corruption particularly by law enforcement officers create opportunities for drug producers and dealers to continue to undermine the rule of law in society and destroy the lives of South Africans.

The Committee calls on the MEC for Community Safety Ms Faith Mazibuko and the Provincial Police Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela to immediately investigate these allegations and ensure that rotten officers are brought to book and are completely removed from the system.  Community members are also urged to report such criminality to relevant authorities or to Members of the Portfolio Committee.

In a separate incident, the Committee has noted a video that has gone viral on social media of an Ekurhuleni Metro Police officer who appears to be under the influence of alcohol in full uniform and in an official  vehicle.

The Committee condemns the conduct of the officer with the strongest terms and has noted the swift actions taken by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department by immediately suspending the officer.

ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE MAPITI MATSENA

For interview requests with the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee please contact: Mr Thebe Khumalo on

011 498 5948 / 072 266 1021 email: TKhumalo@gpl.gov.za

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE