Police corruption: a threat to South Africa's democracy.

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.