SAPS: WC's Patekile cooperated with police ombudsman's probe into claims of corruption against him

Western Cape police have responded to an ombudsman's report revealing allegations of corruption against provincial police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, and his senior management team.

The report follows a complaint lodged by the Western Cape government with the police ombudsman, Major-General Oswald Reddy, in October 2022. The complaint related to alleged police infiltration by the notorious 28s gang.

Reddy stated that he immediately notified the provincial commissioner and his management that an investigation was underway.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut maintains that Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile cooperated with Major-General Oswald Reddy's office throughout the investigation.

However, Reddy indicated that he encountered "red tape" when he afforded the police commissioner and his senior management an opportunity to clear their names.

He provided the following quote: "It is unfortunate that they elected not to comment directly, although they did give us a response. The response indicated that [he] has referred the matter to the State Attorney for comment."

Traut confirmed that while investigations continue, Western Cape police are committed to working with oversight and investigative bodies "to protect the integrity of policing in the province".