There are Cops Committed to Police Work

“The men and women in blue work very hard to fight crime, and it must be demoralising when one of them stands accused of crime too.” This statement, quoted in the Sowetan newspaper dated January 24, refers to the disgraced Capt Ntombekhaya Patricia August. The Eastern Cape policewoman was arrested for allegedly staging an armed robbery at crime intelligence offices where R1 million was stolen.

According to Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, an unknown man gained access to the crime intelligence offices by claiming to be visiting August.

“The man allegedly pulled out a firearm and handed August a school bag, demanding money. August reportedly complied, and the man made off with the stolen funds. It is the state’s case that August staged the scene of the robbery, and/or pretended that the money was appropriated during the robbery,” Tyali said.

Such scandals within the South African Police Service (SAPS) make people feel a deep sense of fear towards police officers in general, especially in low-income communities that have experienced high levels of police misconduct. However, it is crucial to recognise that such cases, while eroding public trust, do not represent the entirety of the police force.

In July 2024, a police officer from Brooklyn in Pretoria refused a bribe from a motorist during a routine roadblock. The motorist, who was found without valid documents, offered the officer a bribe of R300 to avoid detention. The officer immediately alerted the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), who swiftly arrested the suspect

So, this act of courage highlights the integrity and dedication of the officer in upholding the law and combating corruption. It is not the only outstanding performance of a police officer adhering to the Police Code of Conduct, as there are many similar cases on record.

The late news editor at The Citizen, Amanda Watson, once said: “The South African Police Service, as an entity, has a generally bad reputation. It comes down to the old adage, one rotten apple spoils the barrel, which is as unfair as it is true. There are great cops out there who love not their jobs, but the power to effect positive change in people’s lives.

“And while a fish can’t be praised for swimming, the good guys and gals who keep plugging away at maintaining law and order despite cripplingly bad management deserve all the respect we can give them.”

I fully agree with what Watson expressed, but we should always bear in mind that the root cause of criminal-minded cops within SAPS is due to the fact that some police recruits enter the field due to the scarcity of jobs. These are people who become part of the police force for the sake of putting food on the table. In other words, the corrupt few individuals within SAPS regard policing as a career rather than a calling.

Dear reader, there are still cops who are committed to police work of the highest integrity. These are police officers who consistently do the right thing even when no one is watching. The kind of cops who constantly take responsibility for their actions and decisions. The sort of transparent ones in their dealings with the public and their colleagues.

Such officials also maintain a high standard of conduct, demonstrating respect, competence, and dedication to their duties. They treat everyone equally, without bias or favoritism, ensuring justice is served impartially. Furthermore, they are willing to stand up against wrongdoing, even within their own ranks, which is proof enough that the system is not completely broken.

It is essential to acknowledge that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the entire police force. By recognising and celebrating the good cops who go above and beyond in their duty, we can help restore public trust in law enforcement. Moreover, it is important for the public to support and collaborate with the police, creating a unified front against crime and fostering a safer, more trusting environment.

In the end, we must remember that the badge is not just metal, it is a promise, an oath and a vow to safeguard.

By Solam Yves Ludidi
Freelance journalist and writer based in Johannesburg
Contact number: 078 970 2446
E-mail: mkhizem070@gmail.com

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