MEDIA STATEMENT

MEC BHEKI CELE SECURES ARREST OF POLICE OFFICERS

Barely two months into his job, KZN MEC for Transport, Safety and Security Mr. Bheki Cele has already shown that he will make sure that corrupt police officers are put behind bars.

On Friday, 4 June 2004 it is alleged that Mrs Babhekile Shange was arrested by two members of the SAPS, for being in possession of falsified birth certificates. The police officers then demanded R15 000 for her release. Shange then allegedly handed over R5 000 to the police officers who demanded that the balance be paid to them on Monday, 7 June 2004.

Shange then proceeded to MEC Cele’s office where she reported the incident which was handed over to the SAPS Serious and Violent Crime Unit. On Tuesday, 8 June 2004 a controlled police action was set up and the two SAPS members were arrested and detained. On further investigation police today detained a third suspect who has been taken in for questioning. Both the suspect and police members will appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court tomorrow.

MEC Cele has reitierated that there is no place for criminal elements in the SAPS. "I have said on numerous occasions that we will not tolerate any form of corruption within our ranks and I will work tirelessly to ensure that these corrupt elements are rooted out. One of the many values of the SAPS is to provide a responsible, effective and high quality service with honesty and integrity and therefore police officers are expected to arrest criminals and not to be perpetrators of crime. It is these few rotten apples who give our police service a bad reputation," Cele said.

Cele also praised members of the public who provide information to the police and encouraged others to follow suit.

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