Umbilo SAPS officers accused of taking bribes from drug dealers
Yesterday, the poster Sgodo Mbulase shared what he had written in isiZulu, 'There were Umbilo SAPS police officers who were driving in a branded Toyota Urban Cruiser, with registration number BW1595B. I have to let you (police) know that I am now aware that you take bribes from those Nigerians who sell drugs on Noble Road in Berea.'
The post continued, 'Yesterday (Sunday), around 12:00, the police car was occupied by a Sergeant and a Warrant Officer. The person who accepted the money was the Warrant Officer. The system shows who was using the car, right?'
The post was flooded with comments, with some demanding action, and others noting their own experiences of witnessing such actions by police members.
Also read: Bribery lands SAPS officer in cuffs during Umbilo drug bust
The Station Commissioner of Umbilo SAPS, Colonel Robert Ximba, joined in the fray, addressing the poster. 'Please indicate the date of the incidents so that an investigation can be done, so that we take steps against the involved parties. There must be a complainant to open the case. I will not allow bad activities to be perpetrated by our colleagues, degrading the Umbilo SAPS image. We have contact numbers of the management on the wall at the police station.'
Umbilo SAPS spokesperson, Pumzile Biyana, shared, 'Umbilo SAPS acknowledges the public's concerns regarding allegations of corruption. We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation.
'We will take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation. We are therefore committed to rooting out any form of corruption within our ranks. We urge anyone with information on corrupt activities to come forward. Your anonymity will be protected.'
Also read: Umbilo CPF wins top honours at district awards
Umbilo CPF chairperson Calvin Thomas expressed concern regarding the allegations.
'These concerns are particularly grave in light of the firm anti-corruption stance reiterated by Lieutenant General (Nhlanhla) Mkhwanazi in recent communications. Corruption, in any form, fundamentally undermines public trust and the rule of law. It must be decisively addressed and eradicated. The Umbilo CPF calls for any members of the SAPS found to be acting unlawfully to be held fully accountable and subjected to the appropriate disciplinary and legal processes.
'We urge members of the public to assist in combating corruption by reporting any instances directly to the Station Commander. Where possible, such reports should be accompanied by supporting evidence, including photographs or documentation, to aid in swift and effective investigation. Together, through transparency, vigilance, and community participation, we can uphold the integrity of our policing institutions and ensure justice for all,' Thomas added.
Biyana confirmed that a case has not been opened.
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