Phalane allegations damage trust in police: expert
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will present more evidence of alleged corruption by Acting National Police Commissioner General Khomotso Phahlane this morning.
Phalane hit the headlines after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) raided his Pretoria home following allegations that he received a R80 000 sound system as a corrupt gift.
This was followed by reports that IPID has broadened its investigation into Phalane over six cars he bought over three years.
DA Shadow Minister of Police Zakhele Mbhele and DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen says they will provide original documentation in their possession as evidence of corruption.
"The leadership of SAPS must be beyond reproach, so that the critical task of fighting crime in our communities becomes our first priority," says DA spokesperson Darren Brookbanks.
Senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, Dr Johan Burger, says Phalane deserves to be treated fairly.
"These are allegations against him and there is a good chance that he may be able to prove his innocence and I just think he should not be pre-judged and that we all should wait until the IPI investigation is concluded," says Burger.
Burger says the public, however, already believes that Phahlane is guilty and that is extremely damaging to public trust and confidence not only in the office of the National Commissioner but in the police in general.
"The assumption simply is that there is no one in the police service that can be trusted, especially not trusted with the highest office," says Burger.
Burger says the allegations come at a very sensitive time for police leadership.
"We expect the President, within the next few weeks, to make an announcement into Riah Phiyega's fitness to hold office. The President will also have to announce her successor. If this case is not concluded by then, it would be extremely difficult for the President to appoint Phahlane," says Burger.