Concerns Raised About Security Vetting Of Police Top Brass

Members of Parliament have again raised concerns about the long time it takes for the security vetting of police top brass to be finalized. This matter was raised recently when SAPS was giving progress made to recommendations made by the police committee, in the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Reports.

The security clearance of the top law enforcement officers is a matter of concern to parliamentarians that persists. The National Police Commissioner, Fanie Masemola, was in this position for around four years, without the highest security clearance being finalized.

MPs have again raised their discomfort with this issue.

"We are sitting with higher ranking officials with no clearance - 5 major generals, and 10 brigadiers. Tell us when sorted out, when will they get clearance? If don't get it must be consequences, surely if it is a requirement for your job. And it opens us up to civil claims if something does happen," Lisa Sickerling, DA MP.

"The truth of the matter is, it's a lot worse than that chairperson. This committee is being taken for a ride, by SAPS, I must say. I have asked but questions not forthcoming, asked of the Nascom when he applied for clearance and when he received it, asked the head of CI when applied and when received. And then ask why the 2IC at crime intelligence has absolutely no clearance," says Faizel Adams, National Coloured Congress Leader.