NELSON MANDELA BAY NEWS - A police officer from Nelson Mandela Bay who pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, possession of stolen property, and possession of an unlicensed firearm is set to return to duty on 2 June after serving only a two-month suspension without pay.

Even worse, says member of the provincial legislature (MPL) Yusuf Cassim, this is not an isolated incident. 

"Similar reports have emerged in other provinces, where police officers facing serious criminal charges, including rape, have remained in sensitive policing roles," he says in a media statement released on 9 April.

Criminal case

Cassim, who is the DA shadow MEC for community safety, states that it has been confirmed that a criminal case was indeed opened against the officer, who is attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

This unit is specifically tasked with protecting women and children from violence and abuse.

"Under the SAPS Discipline Regulations, 2016, any officer found guilty of serious misconduct, including robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm, qualifies for an expeditious disciplinary process under Section 5(4)," says Cassim.

"This process is intended for offences that damage the service's reputation or involve violence and dishonesty. 

The officer in question, having pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, possession of stolen property, and unlawful possession of a firearm, clearly meets this threshold."

Disciplinary process 'flawed'

According to Cassim it appears that the disciplinary process followed was procedurally flawed. 

"Section 9 of the same regulations requires that expeditious proceedings be authorised by the National Commissioner or a delegated authority and chaired by an officer of at least Brigadier rank. In this case, a Captain reportedly presided over the matter, which directly violates the regulations," he says.

"This failure not only undermines the integrity of the process but also raises serious questions about accountability and the selective enforcement of disciplinary standards within SAPS. 

These incidents indicate a systemic failure in how SAPS handles internal discipline and criminal accountability."

Questions in parliament

Cassim indicates that the DA will be tabling parliamentary questions to establish who authorised the officer’s reinstatement, whether criminal proceedings were instituted following the officer’s guilty plea, and how many other SAPS members with criminal convictions or serious charges are serving in the Eastern Cape. 

The party will also demand accountability from the MEC for Community Safety and the Provincial Commissioner. 

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