(Photo: Archive photo)
It is extremely worrying that a senior police officer attached to the Sunnyside police station committed suicide over alleged bullying in the workplace, and that there seems to be no decisive action against the station commander despite several allegations.
Ian Cameron, chairman of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police, said she expressed deep concern and dismay at allegations surrounding the suicide of the senior officer.
“It is extremely worrying that there are believed to be as many as 77 allegations against the Sunnyside station commander, but that no meaningful action has been taken following what appears to be a clear pattern of abusive behaviour.”
Cameron called urgently for an independent investigation to determine the truth of the allegations against the station commander, with firm management of consequences if these allegations are substantiated.
He further noted that allegations of bullying behavior are widespread in the South African Police Service (SAPS), with numerous officers approaching members of the committee to report abuse by senior officials.
Cameron expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the officer, a lieutenant colonel, and assured them that the committee will continue to pay attention to the workplace culture in the SAPS in his honor.
The SAPS in Gauteng has meanwhile said it is aware of reports about alleged workplace bullying behavior involving a member, which allegedly contributed to the member’s tragic death.
“The SAPS views these allegations in a serious light and has begun to establish the facts surrounding the incident. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and any contributing factors.”
The management of the SAPS in Gauteng said appropriate steps will be taken if any violation is confirmed.
