Western Cape top cop to engage Ombudsman, Ipid amid gang infiltration allegations

WESTERN Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile has committed to take action if evidence of gang infiltration of the SAPS is found. 

Premier Alan Winde only released the Western Cape Police Ombudsman report last week, having received it more than three years ago.

Its release was preceded by mounting public pressure amid two parliamentary processes, the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee, looking into corruption in the criminal justice system. 

In the report, the ombudsman concluded that there were risks to the entire criminal justice system. He also found that a complaint of unacceptable behaviour against the provincial commissioner (before Patekile) and his senior management was found to be “substantiated on a balance of probabilities”.   

The report found that Winde had several options in his power to deal with the issue. One of them was getting the provincial commissioner to account before cabinet and ultimately having him removed in light of the serious allegations or wait for the outcome of investigations by IPID and SAPS. 

Winde said he chose the latter, as allegations emanated from the tenure of Patelike’s predecessor, Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula. 

In response to the release of the report, Patelike said: “This report was originally submitted in November 2022, and was requested, reviewed and recognised at that time. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Advocate) Thembisile Patekile extended his full and unconditional cooperation to the Ombudsman’s office throughout the investigation. SAPS wishes to reaffirm that Lieutenant General Patekile cooperated with the Ombudsman. Following the Ombudsman’s 2022 report, the matter was further subjected to national-level review and investigation.

“With (Thursday’s) tabled report and renewed public attention, SAPS re-commits to working with all oversight and investigative bodies to ensure that any possible wrongdoing is examined, accountability is upheld, and the integrity of policing in the Western Cape is protected. We note the Premier’s renewed call for action and emphasise that we stand ready to assist in all lawful processes to bring clarity, justice and public confidence.

"The public’s trust in law enforcement is central to a safe and just society. SAPS in the Western Cape remains resolute in the fight against organised crime, gangsterism and corruption, and is committed to accountability, transparency and professional policing. ” 

National police did not respond to questions about the status of the investigation. Jula was appointed provincial commissioner after Lamoer was suspended in 2016. 

He is alleged to have been at the centre of infighting within the provincial police accused of setting up the Major Offences Reaction Team (MORT) to rival the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU). Only two years into his term, he was removed from office. 

He did not respond to questions on the allegations of gang infiltration of police, during his tenure on Sunday.

Cape Times