The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the KZN Legislature believes that low salaries could be a possible contributor to police-related corruption.
This comes after Lt-Col. Mary Jane Ziningi Zulu, the former Commander of the Mandeni Police Station, who was accused of stealing R108 000, allegedly committed suicide on the day she was expected to appear in Court to face charges.
This incident raises many questions.
Are police officers being tempted to get involved in criminal activities to supplement their salaries? Are police officers – of all ranks – being paid decent salaries for the work they do? Police risk their lives chasing criminals on a daily basis.
Although the IFP is concerned about the possible repercussions of low salaries for police officers, it does not condone any form of theft or corruption. However, the IFP urges government – in particular police management – to re-evaluate salaries being paid to police officers, and to ensure they are being paid enough to cover their living expenses and to provide for their families.
The IFP would like to re-iterate that anyone found to be on the wrong side of the law must be held accountable.
We would also like to draw attention to the many honest police officers, who tragically find themselves discredited by the actions of colleagues who face allegations of corruption not to follow suit but continue to do their work diligently.
The IFP sends condolences to the family of Lt-Col. Zulu.
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Contact
Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Community Safety and Liaison
078 290 5842
