We in the ACDP had planned to support Budget Vote No 22 until we heard about the shocking reports of police corruption and the manipulation of statistics to make it look as if they were winning the war on crime. Of even greater concern are reports that about 50 rape cases at four police stations in the Western Cape were never investigated. This is very serious and should not be condoned by all those who are opposed to sexual violence and the abuse of women and children.
In Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the ICD - we are told - is investigating six police stations that, among other things, are accused of purposefully failing to fill in dockets correctly and reducing serious crimes to lesser charges. This is corruption of the worst order. We expect the Minister to leave no stone unturned until all those who are perpetuating these heinous crimes are flushed from the system.
The ACDP will not be supporting this Vote until such shocking corruption in the SAPS is eradicated. We need integrity in the police department so that they can win the trust and confidence of members of the public. Thank you.