'Suspect' cops to CPUs

2003-12-14 19:29

Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance on Sunday questioned the transfer of eight suspect policemen to various child protection units.

DA child abuse spokesperson Mike Waters said the eight were under investigation in connection with charges ranging from attempted murder, rape, assault, theft, corruption, fraud and negligent driving.

Waters added that he had written to the Independent Complaints Directorate asking them to investigate why the eight were transferred.

"While someone is innocent until proven guilty, it is mind boggling that the SAPS sees fit to place a person, who may be a threat to society, at the very unit that is supposed to protect the most defenceless of our society - the children," Waters said.

He said he had also received details of the cases in reply to a parliamentary question.

Reasons 'not acceptable'

Five of the eight were from the Western Cape and all were transferred to the CPUs by that province's deputy provincial commissioner on the recommendations of the provincial head of human resources management, Waters said.

The two officers from the Eastern Cape and the one from Gauteng were all transferred by the office of the relevant area commissioner.

"Only one out of the eight officers has been cleared of charges. The transfer of policemen with such poor records to the CPUs brings into question government's commitment to child safety and makes a mockery of the 16 days of activism."

Waters said the reason given for all but one transfer, namely a shortage of personnel, was not acceptable.

"It seems that SAPS is using them as a dumping ground for officers under criminal investigation. If this is the level of importance placed on crimes against children, it is a sad day for South Africa and its future indeed."

- SAPA