Gauteng Police Commissioner guilty of nepotism?

29 June 2016

The DA is deeply concerned over the integrity of Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt Gen Deliwe de Lange, as charges against her son were withdrawn after being admitted to police training college. 

According to a written parliamentary reply to a question asked on my behalf, assault charges against Commissioner De Lange’s son, Mr Tshidiso Damane, were withdrawn three days after being admitted to police training college on 27 March 2015. 

According to the reply, the assault charges were related to a domestic violence incident. 

Of further concern, is that in 2010, a charge of malicious damage to property laid against Mr Damane were also subsequently withdrawn.

Members of the SAPS are supposed to be deeply committed to upholding the law and protecting the country’s people from criminals and crime. 

It is highly questionable that Mr Damane was better qualified or one of the more exemplary applicants to enter the SAPS. 

This of course raises the question whether Commissioner de Lange has had a hand in the withdrawal of charges against Mr Damane, as well as him being fast-tracked into the SAPS. 

To this end, I will ask my colleagues in Parliament to submit further questions asking for the record of decision to have the charges withdrawn, as well as the records of Mr Damane’s selection process.

Individuals who enter the SAPS must do so out a need to serve and to protect, and whose behaviour should be exemplary. 

The service has no place for nepotism and cronyism, and the DA will not shy away from summoning Commissioner de Lange before the Parliamentary Committee to explain her actions.

Issued by Kate Lorimer, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety, 29 June 2016