The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have expressed their astonishment following alarming reports about the suspected disappearance of around R80,000 related to the office of Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata.
The EFF EC maintains that while investigations should proceed without interference, and individuals ought not to be considered guilty prior to the completion of due process, the allegations pose significant concerns about accountability and governance within the province’s law enforcement institutions.
“The EFF has persistently advocated for the establishment of a permanent Provincial Police Commissioner after the province faced more than a year without stable leadership. At the same time, we voiced apprehensions regarding the promotion of Lieutenant-General Ncata due to his history as the Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner. We questioned why an individual linked to a district with some of the nation’s highest violent crime rates was chosen over numerous qualified police officials with established records of service and leadership.
“Nelson Mandela Bay remains a crime hotspot that necessitated national intervention, including the deployment of soldiers this year, in light of rising violent crime that continues to disrupt communities. These recent claims intensify doubts regarding the judgment that led to his appointment and cast serious doubt on his ability to lead the police service in the Eastern Cape,” stated Zilindile Vena, the EFF EC Chairperson.
Vena emphasized that if Ncata is found to have engaged in any misconduct, he should be immediately removed from his position and face all legal repercussions as stipulated in the SAPS disciplinary framework.
“South Africa cannot genuinely claim to be committed to combating corruption when high-ranking public officials still receive protection and privileges even after breaching public trust. The EFF will also be reaching out to the Minister of Police to seek clarity on the reasons behind Ncata’s appointment and to address why previous concerns were disregarded. At this critical juncture, the people of the Eastern Cape deserve a fully functioning police service led by individuals with unassailable integrity, rather than leaders whose actions further erode public trust in law enforcement,” she remarked.
Vena reiterated their stance that the issues within SAPS require more than just isolated inquiries.
“It necessitates decisive measures to eliminate corruption, fortify accountability systems, and restore public confidence in law enforcement. The reality is that the citizens of the Eastern Cape have lost faith in a police service that consistently finds itself embroiled in allegations of corruption and misconduct while crime continues to threaten communities.
“Accountability must not be selective, and rank should not serve as a barrier to scrutiny. SAPS must be purged of corrupt elements to reclaim its legitimacy and fulfill its constitutional duties.”
