DA queries SAPS's "Mess Fund"
25 November 2013
The DA is concerned at allegations that the use of the South African Police Services' (SAPS) so-called "Mess Fund" to fund a half a million rand bash for top SAPS members and their spouses, will not be audited.
If this is so, this leaves the door wide open for the misappropriation of SAPS funds that could be better utilised on improving the conditions of police stations and providing critical resources to officers.
We need to know whether this is yet another slush fund, similar to the Crime Intelligence slush fund, which was allegedly looted by Richard Mdluli and his cronies.
According to media reports the half a million rand bill for the exclusive shindig was spent on:
- Hotel and guest house accommodation for 140 guests for two nights;
- A dinner bill amounting to approximately R54 000;
- R76 000 for 80 Prestigio tablets;
- Return airfare tickets for officers and spouses;
- At least 20 colonels are scheduled to be put up in a four star hotel at approximately R1 480 for a double room; and
- Private transport from George to Oudtshoorn and back again.
The DA will be submitting parliamentary questions to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa to ascertain the following:
- What is the "Mess Fund"? How is it funded? Who decides on what these funds are utilised for? What have these "semi-official" funds been used for?
- Is the "Mess Fund" part of the 2013/14 SAPS budget?
- What is the total amount in the "Mess Fund"?
- What financial monitoring mechanisms - if any - are in place to ensure these funds are not misappropriated?
It is unacceptable that the SAPS would spend half a million rand on an exclusive bash for only a few SAPS members. It is an insult to lower-ranked SAPS members who are struggling to get by financially.
The government has continued to use public funding brazenly, at the expense of quality service delivery for those who need it. The DA will continue to hold government accountable until it tightens its purse strings.
Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, November 25 2013
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