The rot starts at the top: the case against the VIP Unit boss
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned that it seems that the Divisional Commander of the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Protection and Security Services, Mzondeki ‘Sean' Tshabalala, has apparently escaped any punishment after reportedly being responsible for causing a serious road accident in August last year, while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Given this state of affairs it is not surprising that the VIP Protection Unit, which he oversees, shows such little respect for the law.
Divisional Commander Tshabalala reportedly crashed his vehicle into a police patrol van while off duty, on August 23rd of last year. Media reports (see here) and eye-witness testimony at the time indicated he was drunk - a bottle of whisky was allegedly found in his vehicle - and had skipped a red traffic light. The accident injured three police officers, who were busy responding to an armed robbery at the time.
Since then, it appears that no further action has been taken. The DA has ascertained that Divisional Commander Tshabalala has not been suspended pending the outcome of the case - and, indeed, it is unclear whether any case against Tshabalala even exists, or whether the charges were discretely dropped.
In recent months, ordinary South Africans have been outraged by the despicable behaviour of ‘blue light bullies' from the VIP Unit, who, among other things, have been accused of driving drunk, ignoring red traffic lights, causing serious accidents, and then escaping without punishment. It now appears that VIP officers simply take their cue from the unit's Divisional Commander.
The Democratic Alliance will today submit an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to ascertain whether blood alcohol tests revealed the Divisional Commander was over the legal limit. A police spokesperson stated at the time of the incident that test results would be available within six weeks, but the DA has been unable to find any further mention of them since this statement.
In addition, the party will submit a letter to the Ministry of Safety and Security, asking the Minister to clarify:
- Whether the Divisional Commander has faced any criminal charges or an internal disciplinary hearing. If not, why not.
- If the Divisional Commander does face charges, why he has not been suspended from active duty while the charges remain pending.
- Why no further information on a potentially serious case involving a Divisional Commander in the South African Police Service has been released.
Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on safety and security, January 8 2008
