According to SAPS statement: South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape takes note that the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, yesterday tabled the (redacted) final report of the Western Cape Police Ombudsman titled “Alleged Unacceptable Behaviour Between Senior Management of the SAPS in the Western Cape, with Gangs and Possible Police Capture.”
This report was originally submitted in November 2022, and was requested, reviewed and recognized at that time. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Advocate) Thembisile Patekile extended his full and unconditional cooperation to the Ombudsman’s office throughout the investigation.
On page ten of the Ombudsman’s report the following key points are raised:
The Ombudsman observed that despite the serious nature of the allegations (including possible links between senior management of the Western Cape SAPS, gangs, and alleged “police capture”), the available evidence did not permit the invocation of the powers under Section 17(6) of the Western Cape Community Safety Act (Act 3 of 2013), that is, the appointment of a provincial commission of inquiry.
The Ombudsman explains that the main reason for declining to recommend a formal commission of inquiry was that the related matter was sub judice (pending criminal trial) and legal access to records, testimony and evidence would be constrained.
The report further outlines three options for how the matter might proceed, including disciplinary or removal action against senior officials, or waiting for the parallel investigations by national bodies such as Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and SAPS to conclude.
The Ombudsman finds that while the allegations are grave, at that time the circumstances did not allow for the most severe oversight mechanism (commission of inquiry) and recommended awaiting outcomes of ongoing investigations.
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 yesterday’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.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
