Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola.
Image: file
The vetting and security clearance of senior police officers were once again under the spotlight during a meeting with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and the Portfolio Committee on Wednesday.
The issue was first raised in a written parliamentary question by committee member Lisa Schickerling in January. She questioned the decline in security applications for senior officers and asked for details on who has been denied clearance.
During Wednesday's meeting, Schickerling again pushed for answers, asking whether police generals who were still awaiting vetting had access to sensitive police systems. Committee member Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress, also demanded transparency, questioning why so many high- profile officers, including commissioners, had security clearance despite concerns.
This was reiterated by Schickerling, who asked whether Generals in the police who were waiting to be vetted, had access to police systems.
Another committee member, Thulan Shongwe said they needed to keep them accountable and that tax payers money was being wasted on officers who were not yet vetted.
Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, questioned why officers waited until the last minute to apply clearance. "There should be no police officers serving the public without proper clearance. Why employ them and allow them to access sensitive information without it?"
Masemola interjected stating that resources in administration was one of causes in delays of vetting.
“When I came over there, there were seven members nationally who did clearance which has since increased. We will do an increase so they can vet the police. “We are improving this.
“The problem doesn't always lie with the person who must be vetted but the system. “It is not to say all management is wrong, we do screen members”
In a written response to the parliamentary question, the office of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that five Major Generals and ten Brigadiers had their security clearance applications declined for failing to meet the required standards. "The officers have been instructed to reapply," the response read.
The minister's office also confirmed that some officers security clearance certificates had expired between 22 June 2021 to 04 December 2024.
“The SAPS has various other measures in pertaining to the access to classified information. Section 70 of the SAPS Act criminalizes the willful disclosure by a member of information in circumstances in which he or she knows, or could reasonably be expected to know, that such disclosure will or may prejudicially affect the exercise or the performance of the Service of the powers or the functions. Upon conviction, a court may impose a sentence of a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years. This applies to all members of the SAPS.”
Cape Argus