The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded an urgent province-wide review of South African Police Service (SAPS) members with criminal convictions after revelations that at least 12 convicted officers in the Eastern Cape remain on active duty—including one working in a Child Protection Unit despite admitting guilt in an armed robbery case.
The shocking disclosure came after the Eastern Cape provincial government confirmed that disciplinary processes had failed to remove these officers from service. DA Western Cape Chairperson Yusuf Cassim raised the alarm in an interview with Stephen Grootes, emphasizing the severe implications for public trust in law enforcement.
“How Can Convicted Criminals Still Serve?”
Cassim highlighted that while criminal convictions should trigger disciplinary action under SAPS regulations, procedural failures have allowed offenders to retain their positions.
“Just because someone is convicted doesn’t automatically mean they’re discharged,” Cassim explained, noting that disciplinary hearings—often mismanaged—are supposed to run parallel to criminal proceedings. In one case, a hearing for an officer in the Mount Road Police Station’s Family Victims Unit was chaired by a captain instead of the required brigadier, violating SAPS regulations.
Erosion of Public Trust
The DA argues that allowing convicted criminals to serve—especially in sensitive units—undermines SAPS legitimacy. “How can communities trust police if officers have robbery or assault convictions?” Cassim asked, pointing to broader issues like leaked raid information and corruption.
Grootes echoed concerns, stating that without accountability, policing becomes ineffective. “If people don’t trust the police, they won’t consent to being policed,” he said.
DA’s Demands: Lie Detectors and Policy Overhaul
Cassim called for:
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A full review of all SAPS members with criminal charges or convictions.
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Randomized lie detector tests to root out corruption.
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Stricter enforcement of disciplinary procedures.
“We can’t expect communities to partner with police while convicted criminals wear the badge,” Cassim said, urging SAPS to prioritize transparency.
National Implications
The Eastern Cape cases spotlight a systemic issue. With violent crime surging, the DA warns that failing to purge corrupt officers will further destabilize public safety efforts.
SAPS has yet to respond publicly, but pressure mounts for immediate action. As Cassim concluded: “This isn’t just about rules—it’s about whether South Africa’s police can still be trusted.”
