During difficult economic times many South Africans may be looking to get a second job or side hustle, but police officers with business ties to the taxi industry is a no go.

Last week Ian Cameron, National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, released various statements claiming that police officers stationed in Stellenbosch, Pinelands and Mbekweni have been identified as being involved in the taxi industry.

According to Cameron “a number of members”, specifically local sergeants own taxis. “This raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and the integrity of policing, particularly in a sector where the South African Police Service (SAPS) is frequently required to intervene in disputes, violence and organised crime,” he said.

Section 46 of the SAPS Act 68 of 1995 of the regulatory framework governing police members prohibits police officers from being involved in the taxi industry, while Section 13 of the National Land Transport Act, prohibits their spouses’ involvement in the sector as well.

A local taxi operator from the Cape Winelands told Eikestadnuus that although his local association has no such problem, police officers having taxi business is a challenge countrywide. “In many areas where taxi violence occurs, we find police members with ties to the sector is the case,” the operator alleged.

“As a business owner these members will, of course, work to protect their own business interests. You may also have scenarios where police officers feed their taxi drivers information about planned operations or trouble on their routes.”

Asked what taxi associations can do to ensure all its members adhere to the law, the operator said knowing who you allow into the organisation is key.

“We know every single person who is part of our body. It does not do to allow someone from Johannesburg to simply come and operate here. Who knows what problems he brings with him,” he stated.

“More than anything, we seek to give opportunities to our own drivers who want to become owners. Our system, as it is, is very controlled and we prefer to empower local operators.”

Police officers are bared from having any ties to the industry – be it directly or indirectly. This is also stated in the SAPS National Instruction 18 of 2019 on Integrity Management.

“There are no exceptions, and this applies regardless of whether a member claims to have permission or not,” Cameron further explained.

On enquiry, Brigadier Sandile Sonjani, Stellenbosch police station commander, said any allegations of officers involved in unlawful activity is viewed in a serious light. “Any member found to be participating criminal activities, including interference or improper involvement in the taxi industry will face internal disciplinary processes as well as possible criminal prosecution,” he said.

“Stellenbosch police is dedicated to serving all communities impartially and will not tolerate corruption or misconduct in its ranks. We encourage the public to report any such incidents through official channels so it can be investigated.”

Cameron called on the national police commissioner to clarify whether disciplinary action has been initiated in these cases, calling for the cases of police officers with taxi interests to be exposed.