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The deputy commissioner of the national police, Bonang Mgwenya, was removed from office following “convictions” of her alleged involvement in crimes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Friday (November 13).
Mgwenya briefly appeared in court on 12 October after the investigating directorate detained her on criminal charges related to corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering.
“Following due process, the National Commissioner initially suspended Bonang Mgwenya on October 15, 2020, during which time a departmental investigation was conducted.” SAPS said in a statement.
“Mgwenya was subsequently charged, found guilty and summarily dismissed yesterday, November 12, 2020.”
Speaking about the dismissal, the national police commissioner, General Kehla Sitole, said he remains “resolute” in his efforts to clear the SAPS of any form of wrongdoing by members of all ranks.
The issue of corruption has remained a key focal point for President Cyril Ramaphosa with key government and political figures in the spotlight due to the allegations.
In a parliamentary question and answer session on Thursday (November 12), the president said that the fight against corruption and capture of the state has required “extensive measures” to stabilize and revitalize law enforcement agencies.
“A lot of work has gone into ensuring that these agencies have the staff, skills and resources they need to carry out the demanding tasks of successfully detecting, investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.”
The president said that since the beginning of his administration, the Hawks have established task forces to expedite corruption investigations in municipalities, the government and the private sector.
Together with the National Tax Authority, the Hawks have prioritized 10 priority corruption-related cases to expedite investigation and prosecution, he said.
“To enable the leadership to tackle complex and organized corruption, staff from the South African Police Service, the Hawks and the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) have been assigned.
“As further evidence of enhanced cooperation, the investigation directorate has also obtained forensic accountants and legal resources from SARS, SIU, FIC, Reserve Bank and the State Security Agency.”
Read: Ramaphosa on Trade, Corruption and the Plan to Reduce the Gap Between Black and White South Africans
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