KZN police boss praises uThongathi Station Commander for rejecting bribe

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has praised the Station Commander of uThongathi police station for refusing to be corrupted by criminal suspects.

Addressing a police parade in Durban on Tuesday, Mkhwanazi told officers that the Station Commander had money dangled in his face but refused to take it. He said that instead of accepting the bribe, the commander added another charge to the suspect’s charge sheet and proceeded with the arrest.

Mkhwanazi noted that while some police officers have dragged the image of the police service through the mud, he is pleased that many members remain committed to the badge. He was specifically referring to an incident involving the Acting Commander of the uThongathi station, Colonel Nicholas Mfeka, who refused a bribe from criminals allegedly found in possession of an illegal firearm.

Mkhwanazi stated that the attempt to buy their freedom proved futile.

“It is police officers that are upright like that we commend, that we would want to encourage to have in this organisation of ours, so to make sure that we don’t tolerate any lawlessness in our province.”

The Provincial Commissioner added that these are the kind of officers the country deserves.

“So this station commander led by example. Being a station commander behaving like that—I am sure every police officer that works in that station learns something good from him; that they must be upright, they must protect lives, and they must enforce the law,” Mkhwanazi said.

National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola was also in attendance and urged the police officers to give their all during this festive season.