Witness C highlights the challenges faced by ethical SAPS members amid corruption

A key witness has issued an impassioned plea to the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry to take up the plight of SA Police Service (SAPS) members, who are being suffocated by their corrupt superiors.

Witness C, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, told the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system, that he was not seeking sympathy but to make the inquiry alive to their reality of committed, ethical, and ordinary SAPS members.

"We are at the coalface of justice and face the raw, unfiltered reality of fighting crime in the country. But even with all my sacrifices and hard work, I’m on the entry level of SAPS. My colleagues and I are ordinary SAPS members, and we need assistance breaking down corruption and the politicisation of the SAPS," the witness stated.

The police forensic investigator said it was difficult for SAPS members to execute their duties when the corrupt individuals they encountered were senior, high-ranking members in the service.

"It is impossible to fight well-resourced, organised and ruthless criminals when your own superiors are co-opted and complicit in criminality. With the current environment, South Africans will not win the war on organised crime, CIT (cash-in-transit heists), transporter hijacking, drugs, kidnappings, and extortion," the witness added.

He said corruption within the SAPS only makes it hard for them to do their work.

"It is career-limiting and poses a disconnection from our colleagues. Our colleagues know that we are investigating these cases and avoid you for fear of repercussions."

The man described himself as a career policeman.

"I’ve never worked for any organisation other than SAPS. I’ve never worked in any capacity outside law enforcement. I view my work as a member of the SAPS as a calling and not just employment. I wear my badge with pride and view it as my invaluable contribution to the community," he explained.

He viewed the high-profile case involving suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and ANC fixer and businessman Brown Mogotsi, among others, as having taken more than he could have imagined.

"I am no longer able to execute my duties in the manner I previously did because I cannot move freely in public without 24-hour protection. It is difficult to meet informants and make new connections. I cannot live a normal life; I cannot go to the gym or eat out without risking my life," the cop added.

The man continued: "I have a family that I’m deeply committed to, but cannot take my family to a shopping mall or arrange that we go out on holiday. I rarely see my family because doing so is a direct endangerment to their lives. This has alienated me from my family, in particular my wife and children, who I have not seen in an extended period of time".

He reserved special praise for KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose bombshell allegations of corruption in the SAPS in July this year prompted the establishment of the Madlanga Commission and the National Assembly's Ad Hoc committee also investigating the allegations.

"I am grateful for General Mkhwanazi, who lifted the lid on our circumstances. I bring this to the commission’s attention because it is important for them to know the sacrifices of ordinary SAPS members," Witness C added.

loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za