Political Suspension of Police Officer Divides South Africans Over SAPS Rules
- A police officer in KwaZulu-Natal was suspended after he was seen wearing political regalia and participating in political events
- According to SAPS, the officer’s conduct is in violation of Section 46 of the South African Police Service Act
- The legislation prohibits police officers from publicly supporting or associating themselves with any political party
A police constable stationed at Ntambanana Police Station in KwaZulu-Natal has been suspended for allegedly wearing political regalia and participating in political events. It is alleged that the officer has been withdrawn from operational duties.
Source: Getty Images
SAPS officer suspended for political involvement
According to police in KwaZulu-Natal, the officer’s actions contravened Section 46 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995). This legislation prohibits police officers from being involved or show public support to any political movement.
This legislation bars officers from holding office or wearing any political regalia. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, has directed the District Commissioner of King Cetshwayo to immediately withdraw the officer pending an investigation into his alleged political involvement.
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PSIRA to investigate police constable
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers must remain apolitical and neutral, saying that any political association could damage the organisation’s reputation. The officer are also under investigation after it came to light that the constable owns a security company providing VIP protection and other services. This, according to police, are aslo prohibited for police officers.
No police officer are allowed to be involved in the alcohol, taxi, or security industry. Police urged Community members to report any police officers who engage in political activities or illegal businesses that undermine the South African Police Service.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans weigh in
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the suspended police constable.
@MLANDO60870174 said:
"After work police are also human being,what about the big ranks that came straight from Luthuli house,known ANC former guerrillas who are in charge of the police?"
@Corruption_SA_ said:
"Why is this happening so much? Is the ANC to blame?"
@L_T_Molobane91 said:
"What am I saying? I'm saying that when you're involved in them. You're involved in them.There is no two ways about it. It's not really like any other carrier where you can decide to just change. Politics are a specialty field on their own."
@PhilaniNgoza said:
"I which we have Mkhwanazi in Free State where in Park Road Police Station in Mangaung you'll find Police wearing an ANC regalia on DUTY."
@Bolt_en_Nut said:
"Well done SAPS KZN, civil servants should not publicly be involved in politics."
@thembafuna said:
"Maneer G Mkhwanazi your giving us a good hope that our next geration are in the safety hands."
General Shadrack Sibiya challenges suspension
In a previous article, Briefly News reported that the South African Police Service's suspended Deputy National Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya is taking the police force on.
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola placed him on special leave after KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi implicated him in a criminal syndicate. South Africans were not impressed with his decision to challenge his suspension, and many slammed his intended course of action.
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Source: Briefly News
