Serious questions need to be asked about the disciplinary actions taken against the three brigadiers from Nelson Mandela Bay, as more information comes to light relating to their dismissals.
The dismissals of Humewood station commander Brigadier Leonie Bentley, Gelvandale station commander Brigadier Lawrence Soekoe and Brigadier Ronald Koll stem from a meeting wherein they raised objection to the appointment of Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso as Mount Road cluster commander.
It has now come to light that the objections were raised because the appointment of Kupiso went directly against a court order granted in relation to a matter brought by the two leading police unions, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) and the SA Police Union (Sapu).
It is surprising that disciplinary action is being taken against these SAPS members, for trying to act within the prescripts of the law!
It is further alleged that officials have claimed permission was not granted to the three officers to leave the meeting, even though the evidence clearly shows they were excused.
Questions need to be asked as to why the Independent Police Investigative Directorate refused to investigate a docket that was opened against these officers who have allegedly perjured themselves, despite IPID having been approached at their offices in East London with all the necessary evidence.
The Democratic Alliance is calling on the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, to make the right decision and review these dismissals.
Collectively, these three members have more than 100 years of police experience between them, and Nelson Mandela Bay can ill afford to lose highly experienced officers of their calibre.
The DA believes that what is needed is an honest and reliable police service, and will continue to fight for law and order to be upheld.