The Height of Crime UNintelligence – Losing R1.3 Million

Dear Editor

Last Friday in East London, an unnamed robber walked into the Crime Intelligence Captive Office and left with R1,3 million in cash.

After signing themselves in as “Giyese”, the individual was not searched – and no one raised any alarm.

This illustrates the dilapidation of our Crime Intelligence. If Crime Intelligence offices are not secure, saving the lives of the approximately 73 South Africans murdered daily will certainly not be achieved.

This scandal follows Crime Intelligence spending a whopping R22.7 million on a luxury hotel for “office space” (complete with four dining rooms, a gym, and an infinity pool), while intelligence officers work in dilapidated offices with broken furniture.

Crime Intelligence Offices carry substantial sums of money used to pay informers. Security is meant to be of the upmost level. While the matter is now under investigation, such brazenness speaks to internal nefariousness. The culprit, sadly, is likely to be dressed in SAPS uniform.

We have long expressed deep concerns on the state of our crime intelligence services, which faces internal strife. For more than 15 years, since the departure of Jackie Selebi, our crime intelligence has faced escalating crises – from fraud and corruption; protracted, expensive disciplinary hearings; to media campaigns to misinform South Africans on the true state.

The DA once again calls again for lifestyle audits on top cops especially those that work in crime intelligence and the financial accounting services. These audits should also be undertaken for all provincial commissioners and divisional commissioners.

Regards

Lisa Schickerling MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Police