GOOD Press Statement by Jonathan Cupido
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
7 December 2023
GOOD welcomes the investigations into three Cape Town law enforcement officers for misconduct in separate incidents over the past few weeks.
As City of Cape Town staff, officers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the Code of Conduct for municipal employees.
However, videos online and reports of shocking conduct and abuse of state resources, intended to protect the lives of residents, clearly paint a different picture from the one presented during the recent launch of the Mayor’s festive season safety plan.
In the first incident two weeks ago, an officer was caught on camera berating and swearing at a man on a motorbike. Not long after this, an officer landed in trouble for allegedly engaging in sexual acts while driving a state vehicle and crashing it, after which a passenger ran away half-naked from the scene.
In the latest scandal, a video has been circulating of a suspected drunk officer taking a nap in a state vehicle, while another video shows a civilian using this opportunity to take the car for a joyride.
Residents cannot be expected to have confidence that they will be safe this holiday season when their lives are in the hands of such ill-disciplined officers. It’s unlikely that any safety plan could be effective if those charged with implementing it have no respect for law and order.
GOOD calls on the City of Cape Town to urgently finalize these matters and ensure that those found guilty are held to account, including the civilian.
Law enforcement officers are not above the law – or the people they serve. They are on the ground to ensure the City’s residents are safe and feel secure on their own streets.
In performing these duties, officers are often forced to place their lives at risk for the lives of residents. It’s extremely unfortunate that the behaviour of these individuals has cast a shadow on the integrity and credibility of the City’s officers.
This should serve as a wake-up call for the Safety and Security Directorate and the Mayoral Committee Member for safety and security, JP Smith, to ensure that the training and professional standards in the department are at the highest level and worthy of the respect of residents.
Media Enquiries:
Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 084 865 8122
Email: jonathanc@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za