EFF statement on reported break-in at the South African Police Service National Logistics Centre and threat to the integrity of the 2024 elections

19 April 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is dismayed and shocked by the reported break-in at the South African Police Services National Logistics Centre in Gauteng.

This reported robbery is one of the most dangerous contradictions in the context of rising crime in South Africa, where even high-level SAPS locations, which ought to be the most feared places for criminals, are themselves victims of crime.

The EFF has long cautioned that crime in South Africa is reaching ridiculous levels, where even police centers and stations are sourcing the services of security guards, a reflection of how those who are meant to protect us are equally living in fear of criminals.

The most disturbing factor of these reports is that the South African Police Services (SAPS) have not released any communication about this disturbing occurrence which is reported to possibly have consequences on the upcoming Provincial and National Elections to be held on the 29th of May 2024. Any criminal who would have the bravery to rob a SAPS logistics center, would surely seek to steal firearms, but in this, instance only police uniform was reportedly stolen.

The EFF has it on good authority that this uniform is being stolen because there is an intention to use this uniform by people who want to undermine the democratic outcomes of the electoral process, and posture as law enforcement officials who will escort ballot boxes of the elections on the 29th of May 2024, once voting stations have concluded counting.

We call on the Minister of Police and the Police Commissioner to release a communication to clarify the veracity of the claims and assure us that these criminals are being pursued and the uniform of the police services will be secured. A situation where criminals are in possession of the identification of law enforcement is a risk to the collective safety of the people and no cover-up should be tolerated because it means high-ranking officials in SAPS are part of the crime itself.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, 22 April 2024