The recent riots in Etatwa on the far East Rand have brought this question into sharp focus. I was always under the belief that this was a largely white perception. But after listening to [black] listeners phoning into 702 Talk Radio with their experiences, I have comprehensively been disabused of that notion. What has led to this sharp decline in standards and professionalism over the past ten years?
One measure of professionalism is the level of tolerance for corruption within the police force. On this measure, the police score abysmally. Part of the problem was the disbanding of the police’s independent anti-corruption units and placing full responsibility in the hands of the Station Commander. While this might work in a first world environment, within a third culture like South Africa this is a recipe for disaster as has been proved. This arises for two reasons. What happens when the Station Commander is complicit in criminal activity himself/herself but more importantly threatened with death if disciplinary action is taken.
Main picture: They prowl the empty streets by night…… drinking, eating… Our ever-vigilant Police Force in the New South Africa snapped during a refuelling session.