Police deny covert operations
2003-03-16 21:28
Thinus Ferreira
Cape Town - Police have denied the existence of any covert police units, working in co-operation with security firms, and said these rumours were part of an organised smear campaign.
This comes after allegations that a police unit, known as "Palto", was involved in top secret operations with other security firms.
"Police have no contact with Palto. There is no such covert unit within the police and we do not conduct special operations through front organisations or security firms," divisional commissioner for crime intelligence, Raly Lalla, said on Sunday.
"We do have several sources and comprehensive intelligence contacts, but Palto is not a front company for some covert police activity."
Selby Bokaba, spokesperson for the national police commissioner, said the allegations were part of an organised smear campaign to discredit police after recent successes in exposing organised crime syndicates and breaking the back of the so-called "Boeremag".
He said police would investigate the source of the rumours.
Superintendent Charmaine Muller, national police spokesperson, also denied the existence of the covert unit.
"It is not unusual for police to co-operate with private security firms in the case of big events such as the World Cup Cricket tournament.
"However, allegations about a unit such as Palto are unfounded."
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