Andrew Trench notes from the revolution

Geoffrey Pitout
January 28th, 2008 - 00:21

This does not surprise me, as a former senior officer in the South African Police service, I personnally investigated the irregular promotion of a female Inspector to the rank of Captain, whilst she had 14 criminal charges, 12 being fraud and one of robbery and theft. She was found guilty on the theft charge, and the other cases were still pending when I left the country. She also assualted a Daily Dispatch reporter or photographer at court, and also had this additional charge.

I recommended that her commanders who recommended her promotion to Captain, and who were aware of her criminal record, be charged for gross misconduct, as I provided documentary proof that they were aware of her pending cases. This also made headline news during 2005 in the Dispatch, and believe it or not, none of them were ever charged, she was demoted one rank, and continious to be employed by the department, even though she is considered a habital criminal. She was not suspended either, and one wonders what you need to do in order to be suspended from your employment. 14 Criminal charges were not enough, ironically I was the investigating officer and had to travel on the same bus to and from the Provincial Commissioners office, as the person that I was investigating. People wonder why experienced Police officers are leaving in droves.

This lack lustre investigation therefore does\’nt surprise me, and it is very doubtfull whether any Disciplinary charges will ever be brought against them, or there Commander who is suppose to conduct regular inspections on the case dockets, to ensure it is up to standard and the chain of evidence is being collected and preserved.

Geoffrey Pitout
January 28th, 2008 - 08:49

Hi Andrew

The member in question was serving at the Provincial Commissioners office attached to the Crime Prevention Unit at the time I left East London in January 2007. If she has been convicted since then, I was not aware of that, but her employment can be confirmed by Marinda Mills or any of the Communication Officers at the Provincial Commissioners Office in KWT

I left SA which I dearly miss everyday, for New Zealand, and I am currently employed by the New Zealand Governemnt and specifically with Immigration New Zealand as a Risk Profiler at the Auckland International Airport.

I miss my old job incredibly, and after serving for 16 years, it is a bit like a life sentence, you always long to go back. Once out the cops you unfortunately cannot get re-enlisted, as this is SAPS current policy. No “runaway” comebacks as Selebi put it.

A follow up story would be great,I did a lot of work on the investigation, and it was extremely frustrating when obvious covering up ( corruption) by her commanders was left without even being challenged in a disciplinary hearing. Unbelievable!.

The dog unit commander at the time, Supt. Manentsa was promoted to a higher position in Cape Town, not even as much as a smack on the hand, instead he gets promoted without anyone even knowing of the mismanagement / covering up in East London.

Here in NZ, a Commissioner in The NZ police, was charged for unbecoming behaviour of a sexual nature with a girl 20 years ago. He resigned prior to his disciplinary hearing, consesus was that he would have been dismissed and that is why he resigned. There was an inquiry into police conduct after this, which resulted in huge media coverage, and more than 60 recommendations by the commission of inquiry which have to be implemented, including the establishment of a proffesional standards division, new code of conduct etc
.
Society at large keep police officer accountable, and they do not hesitate to raise alarms if police officers act inapropriately, neglegently etc.

I know the dynamics are a lot Different to back home, in terms of education, socio economic factors etc, but still good to see when unacceptable/ lack lustre work/ behaviour is not tolerated, and rectified.

Thanks for response

Geoff