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SAPS must improve accountability

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Dear MyPE

The Democratic Alliance welcomes the fact that the SAPS have committed to put better controls in place to ensure incorrect information is not provided to the provincial legislature, after incorrect data was given to me on rape and DNA kits in the province.

According to a response, an instruction has been issued that the deputy provincial commissioners have to peruse and verify information submitted.

We are however still concerned by the report back that stock levels for DNA testing kits in the province are still low, and the implications this has on the ability of the police being able to do their jobs.

It is critical that our policemen and women are given the necessary tools to effectively combat crime and bring perpetrators to book.

In an oral reply to a parliamentary question during a sitting of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature yesterday, MEC Weziwe Tikana confirmed that individuals responsible for the submission of the incorrect details have been identified and that departmental steps had been instituted against two SAPS members.

I was shocked to learn from the MEC that the availability of rape and DNA testing kits are not monitored by her Department in terms of their oversight of the SAPS.

In a follow up question, she however gave the assurance that her Department will monitor the availability of these in future.

It is vital that accurate, factual information is provided to the provincial legislature, as this information is critical in ensuring that all provincial executive organs of state in the province are held accountable.

I will continue to monitor the situation.

A Democratic Alliance led government will overhaul the South African Police Service to become an honest and professional organisation that actually serves and protects South Africans.

Regards

Bobby Stevenson

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