Pubdate: Fri, 05 Mar 2004
Source: Cape Argus (South Africa)
Copyright: 2004 Cape Argus.
Contact:  http://capeargus.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2939
Author: Norman Joseph

OUR POLICE JOBS MADE US ADDICTS

The Western Cape police have launched a high-level investigation into 
admissions by two provincial detectives that they are hooked on drugs 
because of their duties.

High-ranking officers are investigating claims by the male 
detective-inspector and his fiancee, also a detective-inspector.

Both are based at the organised crime unit, and were allegedly used as bait 
to "trap" drug dealers and gangsters.

The male detective recently laid an abduction case against his unit head - 
a director.

The Western Cape Independent Complaints Directorate confirmed that it is 
investigating a case against the director.

The inspector claimed he was removed against his will from a drug 
rehabilitation clinic in Claremont in December, after threatening to spill 
the beans about his superior.

The director and two colleagues allegedly took him to a safe house in 
Hermanus, and then to a city hospital to complete his rehab programme.

But he feared for his life and after his fiancee visited him in the 
hospital, he bribed a nurse with R100 to allow him to escape from the 
hospital with his fiancee.

The inspector started work at the unit again recently but he and his 
fiancee were informed last week by the director of a possible transfer to 
the uniformed branch.

He was informed - by letter - that he might be transferred to the Parow 
charge office "for the enhancement of service delivery". His fiancee was 
informed that she could be on her way to the Kraaifontein charge office.

The pair have complained of repeated victimisation by the director and 
senior colleagues.

Western Cape police spokesman Superintendent Riaan Pool said: "In terms of 
labour legislation, a legal responsibility rests on the employer to take 
the necessary remedial steps and measures which will be in the best 
interest and welfare of a member.

"These members themselves came forward with information that suggested they 
might have been contaminated or are in the process of contaminating 
themselves in a way that had or will definitely have a negative effect on 
their welfare."

Pool said that on February 27, notices of possible transfers were served on 
the couple. This was one part of "an internal process initiated to support 
and rehabilitate the members".
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom