WELKOM – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an independent investigation into allegations that South African Police Service (SAPS) members failed to properly deal with a Matjhabeng Local Municipality employee who was allegedly found damaging municipal property.

The DA says it will refer the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation.

The SAPS describes the allegations as serious and said it will act decisively should any wrongdoing by its members be established.

Sgt. Palesa Thabana, Corporate Communication and Liaison, Free State, says a case docket for defeating the ends of justice has been registered in connection with the allegations and will be handled and investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). “SAPS will also conduct an internal investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the conduct of the members involved.”

According to Piet Botha, DA Mayoral candidate for Matjhabeng, the allegations were brought to its attention by a whistleblower who reportedly has first-hand knowledge of the incident.

A senior municipal official instructed the municipality’s security personnel to contact SAPS and open a case

Botha says that a senior municipal official instructed the municipality’s security personnel to contact SAPS and open a case relating to alleged damage to municipal property.

The DA says that affidavits and other supporting evidence were compiled and handed to SAPS, together with the employee who was allegedly implicated in the incident.

However, the party claims that when the municipal official later visited Welkom SAPS to obtain the case number, they were allegedly informed that no case had been opened and that the suspect had not been detained.

The DA has also raised questions about an alleged political connection involving the employee. According to the information provided to the party, the suspect’s sister is employed in the Executive Mayor’s Office and has political connections.

The DA stressed that these allegations have not been proven

The DA stressed that these allegations have not been proven and that its referral to IPID is intended to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the police response are independently investigated.

“We will not interfere in any criminal process,” said Botha, adding that they want police officials to be held accountable where there is evidence of misconduct.

“Residents have a right to expect municipal property to be protected and allegations involving the handling of criminal complaints to be investigated without fear, favour or political influence.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia strongly condemned any conduct by police officers that could undermine public trust, particularly in matters involving public infrastructure and municipal property.

“SAPS will not tolerate conduct that undermines public trust or the rule of law,” the police service said.

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