More than 20 SAPS officers in the Western Cape who are criminally charged for allegedly having financial interests in the taxi industry has been suspended.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, said the officers have also been charged under SAPS disciplinary regulations, with several members having already resigned.
He said these include junior members, station commanders, and other more senior officials.
“Over the past few months, we have exposed a number of SAPS members at police stations and specialised units in the Western Cape who are alleged to be involved in or improperly linked to the taxi industry.
“This is not a grey area. SAPS members may not be involved in the taxi industry in a way that creates a financial interest, conflict of interest, or improper outside remunerative work.
“It is simply not lawful for police members to have such involvement where it compromises, or appears to compromise, their policing duties.
“Police officers cannot be expected to fairly police, investigate, or regulate an industry in which they have private interests.
“This is not about attacking ordinary police officers. It is about protecting the integrity of SAPS and ensuring that communities are not policed by people who may be compromised by private business interests.”
Cameron said they have submitted further information to the National Commissioner’s office to ensure that action continues on the ground.
“We will soon begin focusing on the rest of the country because this is clearly a major problem across South Africa. The law must apply equally, especially to those entrusted to enforce it.”
In March, Cameron lifted the lid on SAPS members being involved in the taxi industry.
He said that information received indicated that officers at various stations in the province were allegedly involved in the taxi industry.
He said the cases included a sergeant stationed in Calitzdorp who is alleged to own seven taxis and six trailers.
He said another sergeant attached to the Taxi Violence Unit was allegedly linked to five taxis, and a constable stationed at Samora Machel detectives is believed to be connected to eight taxis.
Last month, police confirmed that the station commander at Swellendam Police Station was suspended for allegedly being linked to the taxi industry.
MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, confirmed that disciplinary action was under way.
“I am aware of this matter, which formed part of a briefing by SAPS management to the Provincial Executive during a recent Cabinet meeting.
“Numerous SAPS members in the Western Cape have been charged in relation to alleged links to the taxi industry, and internal disciplinary proceedings are under way.”
A whistleblower, who cannot be identified, shared with the Cape Argus that the alleged corruption started in 2024 and the information was then brought to the attention of top SAPS management.
“When taxi violence erupted in 2024 and again flared up in September 2025, the decision to blow the whistle on SAPS members involved in the taxi industry was easy.
“On several occasions, the names and ranks were sent to senior management with no success in action being taken against the members.
“SAPS members who were involved in the taxi business also became victims of violence and assassinations.
“When once again reporting this to senior provincial management, this is the response I received.”
The Cape Argus has since reached out to the SA Policing Union (SAPU) and provincial police for comments and awaits their feedback.
Genevieve Serra
iol.co.za