The JMPD’s Internal Affairs Directorate is roping in faith-based organisations in its fight against corruption and unethical conduct within the municipal police force.
The directorate met with the top leadership of the Revelation Spiritual Church, including Reverends Bheki’Nhlanhla Sibisi and Thembi Tulwana, to rally their support for the fight against graft within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
The two teams met on Thursday, 24 February in Marshalltown to discuss issues of mutual interest.
“Corruption and crime have been made to be a normal practice in our society. As a church, we want the public to realise the negative impact crime has on our society and for people to take responsibility for their actions,” said Tulwana, the President of Revelation Spiritual Home.
With faith-based organisations upholding society’s moral fibre, it’s believed the JMPD’s partnership with the Revelation Spiritual Home will play a crucial role in rooting out corruption in the City’s police.
Sergeant Frans Mabusela, who heads up the Proactive Policing unit within the Internal Affairs Directorate, encourages the public to collaborate with the JMPD in taking a stand against corruption within policing.
“We need ordinary members of the public to keep a watchful eye on corruption within the JMPD and to blow the whistle when necessary. We want them to be our eyes and ears,” Mabusela said.
The meeting also served as a precursor to further engagements with other faith-based organisations in Johannesburg, as the City rallies their support for the #JMPDAntiCorruption campaign.
Mabusela urged members of the Revelation Spiritual Home to become anti-corruption ambassadors as a societal responsibility.
It’s hoped the partnership will see JMPD’s Internal Affairs Directorate reach out to all residents of Johannesburg, urging them to join the fight against unethical policing.
“We need to work together to conscientize members of the community about the need to continue the fight against corruption and crime in the City’s police service. Members of the public have a role in creating a safer City, but importantly, to blow the whistle on misconduct within the JMPD,” said Mabusela.
The JMPD’s Internal Affairs Directorate will engage congregants of the Revelation Spiritual Home on Sunday, 13 March to discuss the role they can play in helping to root out corruption in the JMPD. Mabusela says the directorate will also visit other faith-based organisations to encourage them to be active ambassadors against crime and corruption within the JMPD.
Members of the public are urged to join the JMPD ambassadorship programme and form part of the solution to curb corruption in the City’s police service.
To become a #JMPDAntiCorruption ambassador, you must be a law-abiding citizen over the age of 18, and email Maccabim@joburg.org.za or call 011 490 1814 with your full name, surname, and contact details.
If residents do not wish to become official #JMPDAntiCorruption ambassadors, they can still participate actively in the cause of curbing corruption in the municipal police service by reporting it and educating others about it.
When complaining, residents are encouraged to telephone the #JMPDAntiCorruption hotline on 0800 203 712, send a WhatsApp to 063 253 1928 or email ChristopherNet@joburg.org.za; alternatively, visit their office at Wemmer Complex, 22 Loveday Street in Marshalltown.
Complainants are urged to include the date and location of the incident they’re reporting, as well as the time of the alleged event to help in identifying the alleged culprits.
“Residents should include the description of the officer involved, as well as other useful evidence such as a photo or video. But most importantly, members of the public must understand that to be an anti-corruption ambassador, you must commit yourself to being a law-abiding citizen. This means an anti-corruption ambassador must not be part of any criminal activity or initiate bribes to our officials.”
Written by Bongiwe Radebe
25/02/2022