More than 20 SAPS officers arrested over alleged taxi industry links, MP says

More than 20 South African Police Service (Saps) officers have been arrested for alleged dodgy links to the taxi industry, according to The Citizen and statements from MP Ian Cameran. The arrests and related charges were reported in the Western Cape and include both criminal and disciplinary action.

Scope of the arrests and charges

According to The Citizen, more than 20 police members have been criminally charged, and more than 20 have also been charged under Saps disciplinary regulations. The report says several members have already resigned from their posts, and that those who stepped down include “junior members, station commanders and other more senior officials.”

MP Ian Cameran’s comments

MP Ian Cameran emphasised that Saps members must not be involved in the taxi industry in a way that creates a financial interest, conflict of interest or improper outside remunerative work. He was quoted saying,

“This is not a grey area”

Cameran said such involvement is unlawful where it compromises, or appears to compromise, policing duties. He added that

police officers cannot be expected to police, investigate, or regulate an industry fairly when they have private interests in it.

Integrity and further action

Speaking about the aim of the probe, Cameran said,

“This is not about attacking ordinary police officers.”

He added,

“It is about protecting the integrity of Saps and ensuring that communities are not policed by people who may be compromised by private business interests.”

The Citizen reports that further information has been submitted to the National Commissioner’s office to ensure action continues on the ground.

Geographic focus and next steps

The Citizen says that, so far, the arrests have occurred only in the Western Cape. Cameran was quoted:

“And this is only the Western Cape so far.”

He added,

“We will soon begin focusing on the rest of the country, because this is clearly a major problem across South Africa.”

He concluded that

“the law must apply equally, especially to those entrusted to enforce it.”