/ 29 September 2013

187 cops arrested in two months

One hundred and eighty seven police officers have been arrested in two months this year for crimes including murder
One hundred and eighty seven police officers have been arrested in two months this year for crimes including murder, rape, and robbery. (Gallo)

Between July 8 and August 26, 39 officers were arrested for murder, 14 for rape, 20 for robbery, and 23 for corruption, the Sunday Times reported.

The paper obtained the figures from a document issued by the police's human resources department earlier this month.

The arrests made during the two months also included nine officers for possession of drugs, and another nine for drunk driving. Eight were arrested for theft and five for assault. Two were arrested for hijacking.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Independent reported that the Gauteng government paid out almost R100-million in civil claims against the police for 2011 and 2012.

In 2012 the number of claims nearly doubled to 1 427, from the 652 lodged in 2011.

The figures were given in a parliamentary reply by Gauteng community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko.

Mazibuko said the increase in claims was due to people's increased awareness of their constitutional rights and certain law firms specialising in such claims. – Sapa