The City of Tshwane has rejected allegations of fraud and bribery in the recruitment of 200 new metro police officers, saying an independent forensic investigation found that the overwhelming majority of recruits met the requirements for appointment.
The recruits officially began their careers in law enforcement at a pass-out ceremony attended by Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya.
Moya apologised to the recruits for not engaging with them earlier, explaining that she deliberately kept her distance while allegations surrounding the recruitment process were being investigated.
“Allegations had been raised by members of the public about possible corruption in the recruitment process. I could not come here and celebrate this intake while there were questions about whether those who earned these places had earned them fairly,” Moya said.
She said the City’s multiparty coalition government commissioned an independent forensic investigation into all 200 cadet appointments to establish whether the recruits had secured their positions fairly.
Moya said the investigation had largely cleared the intake, finding that the overwhelming majority of cadets met the core requirements for appointment.
“You are young people beginning careers in public service. I wanted you to begin that journey knowing that the process that brought you here had been properly scrutinised,” she said.
The recruitment process had become a source of tension within the coalition government and the City’s administration following allegations that some individuals had allegedly paid bribes to secure places in the programme.
However, Moya said the investigation provided a basis for separating individual cases requiring further action from the broader group of recruits who had met the necessary requirements.
“The City will deal with the shortcomings identified in the process,” she said.
Moya told the recruits they should have no shame as they begin policing Pretoria and surrounding areas, saying the findings provided assurance that most had earned their positions on merit rather than through favours or bribery.
She also warned the new officers against corruption and accepting bribes while carrying out their duties.
Moya cautioned them against becoming involved in the practice commonly referred to as “cold drink” in South African policing circles, a term often used to describe the solicitation or acceptance of bribes by law enforcement officers.
The mayor urged the recruits to uphold the integrity of the metro police service and serve communities responsibly as they begin their careers.