Police corruption: a threat to South Africa's democracy.
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Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
All Africa Criminal Justice Association
Abstract
In
South Africa today, there is no single agreed definition of corruption. However, as
researchers we do know that some definitions of corruption are available, enabling us to put
police c
orruption into context.
It is disappointing enough to find out that po
lice officers who
have been entrusted by the laws of the Republic of South Africa to protect and serve us are
the same people who are now being investigated for corruption. The image of the South
African police has been severely damaged due to the reportin
g of rampant and reckless
corruption amo
ngst its rank and file.
The
researcher
argues
that if nothing is done to address
the level of police institutionalised corru
ption our
democracy may suffer as a consequence.
First, this article is very important to a
ll South African citizens as Policing affects their
everyday life. With crime like rape, murder, house breaking, assault, drugs on the increase.
South Africans
are very much concerned
about
their safety and security.
Second, it is
designed to give a voi
ce
to citizens of South Africa ensuring that the
responsibility of policing is left in hands of trustworthy and accountable officials.
Third, to identify different types of corruption and
to
find some solutions to it.
Fourth, the research is designed to provi
de a basis for other researchers into police corruption
to develop and buil
d upon it
.
The researcher relies on extensive literature review, media reports, and police practical
experiences
and the
researcher‟s
role and
involvement
being
a member of the Civ
ilian
Oversight Committee dealing with issues around police accountability in South Africa.