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MARCH EDITION EDITORS NOTE
Testimony delivered at the Madlanga Commission sitting in Pretoria revealed how top police officers freely associate with known criminals as well as the extent some of them are willing to go to aid and abeit criminality.
It is worrying that police officers could socialise with or have any other type of ties to criminals even going to the extent of using their positions to help cartels avoid detection as well eventual arrest.
Most alarming however, is the revelation that top police generals are aware of, fraternise and even fear some criminals. Kwazulu-Natal Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona and General Richard Shibiri, the SAPS’ head of organised crime found themselves sweating while appearing at the Madlanga Commission when challenged to name certain individuals who featured in their testimonies.
Senona cited a threat on his life when taken to task by evidence leaders to reveal the identity of a person who later turned out to be a businessman by the name of Steve Motsomi.
“ The person is very dangerous commissioners”, said General Senona. Shibiri expressed similar fear with the commission eventually offering him security.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga was not impressed with the two top cops’ demeanor prompting him to express a public concern about the overall safety of society if those who are tasked with security are themselves living in fear.
“ I understand that the general is a person like the rest of us and should fear for his life. However I have to say this now. That it is concerning that a general, the head of organised crime and the other general the provincial head of DPCI ( Hawks) can be so afraid that they are unable to reveal names of persons said to be cartel members or involved in criminality in one way or another, “ said Madlanga.
He said the public would lose confidence in law enforcement agencies if police officers appear to fear criminals.
National Police Commisioner Fannie Masemola slammed both Senona and Shibiri saying they don’t belong in the police.
“ Police officers are employed to arrest criminals. I haven’t seen a police officer that would fear criminals. A police officer must face criminals. If it means it’s a fight, let it be a fight and expect the police to win. I don’t have an officer that will fear criminals,” said Masemola.
Both General Masemola and Justice Madlanga are correct in their assertions. The country depends on police for safety and would have no one to turn to if it’s the officers of the law who are terrified to even mention the names of known criminals.
Efforts need to be made to restore respect for the uniform and a sense of pride among law enforcement officers, that they serve with pride and with dedication.
It must not be easy for criminals to offer bribes or try to intimidate police officers, there must be respect if not fear for the uniform if South Africa is to become the safe country we all dream of.
