Hon Deputy Chairperson, the answer to the first part of the question is yes, the SA Police Service did do an assessment of the security of the storeroom at the Nelspruit police organised crime unit where the drugs were stored. The storeroom where the drugs were stored was found not to be adequately secured for the safekeeping of exhibits of high value. However, the organised crime unit in Mpumalanga has secured storage facilities in the form of two walk-in safes. In future all exhibits will be stored in these safes, as well as the fireproof safe that also exists.
I may add here that there is also a case of investigation where the entire unit is being investigated and has been moved from where they were. Thank you very much, Chair.
Investigation around disappearance of member of the Ga-Rankuwa police
5. Mr T M H Mofokeng (ANC) asked the Minister of Police:
(1) Whether his department has completed the investigation around the disappearance of a certain person (details furnished) of the Ga-Rankuwa police; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether any reward has been offered to the public for information on the said person's disappearance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he will report to the Council upon the completion of the investigation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? CO34E
Hon Deputy Chair. No, the investigation was taken over on 7 August 2009 by the serial offender investigation unit under the command of Director Byleveld, after consultation with the Provincial Head of Detectives, Assistant Commissioner Tau. This unit is currently following up on information that was gathered by the previous investigating officer as well as new information.
With regard to the second part of the question, no, information is being followed up, and if necessary, a reward will be applied for. On completion of the investigation, the case will be handed over to the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Should the case come before court, the details will become a matter of public record. I thank you.
Training of police officers on newly purchased high-technology equipment
6. Mr T M H Mofokeng (ANC) asked the Minister of Police:
Whether police officers receive training on the newly purchased high- technology equipment to be used in the fight against crime; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many officers have been trained so far and (b) what is the duration of such training?