Police commissioner Riah Phiyega is disappointed in the fraud and corruption charges pressed against Western Cape SAPS head Arno Lamoer and has vowed not to pay his legal fees.
Phiyega's spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed to Sowetan yesterday that Lamoer and three other senior officers in the Western Cape had been put on suspension following their court appearance on charges of fraud and corruption.
Lamoer had until yesterday to explain why he should not be suspended.
"The national commissioner [Phiyega] and the entire management of the SAPS are disappointed that General Lamoer and the three brigadiers have been arrested. It is something we do not want to see happen to any of our police officers. All that we want is for justice to prevail," Makgale said.
"By the way, we are not paying General Lamoer's legal expenses."
Makgale could not say why they will not pick up Lamoer's legal tab. But Sowetan understands that Phiyega believes that the alleged crimes were not committed while doing SAPS work.
This is bound to cause a fallout between Phiyega and Lamoer, given that the SAPS had in the past paid for cops arrested while in office, including former commissioner Jackie Selebi.
Lamoer and the three officers, out on R5000 bail, are facing 109 charges including money laundering, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. It is alleged that they received bribes and gifts from Cape Town businessman Salim Dawjee.
Phiyega was investigated by police watchdog Ipid for defeating the ends of justice after she was taped by Crime Intelligence speaking to Lamoer about the investigation into him.
The NPA found that although she could not be prosecuted, internal disciplinary processes should be instituted against her. Police Minister Nathi Nhleko is considering legal opinion on internal action.
Yesterday, Phiyega was confident that Lamoer's arrest would not implicate her.
"[Phiyega] can confirm that she became aware of the inquiry into Lieutenant-General Lamoer on 29 May 2013 after receiving a briefing from the Hawks. The then head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General Anwar Dramat, at the time indicated that the inquiry was initiated at the request of Lamoer in July 2012. In other words, Lamoer has always been aware of the inquiry," Makgale said. Dramat has since quit, it emerged yesterday.
"This inquiry was, however, never public knowledge, hence Lamoer's surprise when he found out that a political party was aware of such a matter. The NPA conducted an investigation and found there was not crime committed."
Lamoer had gone on leave before being suspended yesterday.
matlalag@sowetan.co.za
Phiyega is on collision course with top cops
Police commissioner Riah Phiyega is disappointed in the fraud and corruption charges pressed against Western Cape SAPS head Arno Lamoer and has vowed not to pay his legal fees.
Phiyega's spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed to Sowetan yesterday that Lamoer and three other senior officers in the Western Cape had been put on suspension following their court appearance on charges of fraud and corruption.
Lamoer had until yesterday to explain why he should not be suspended.
"The national commissioner [Phiyega] and the entire management of the SAPS are disappointed that General Lamoer and the three brigadiers have been arrested. It is something we do not want to see happen to any of our police officers. All that we want is for justice to prevail," Makgale said.
"By the way, we are not paying General Lamoer's legal expenses."
Makgale could not say why they will not pick up Lamoer's legal tab. But Sowetan understands that Phiyega believes that the alleged crimes were not committed while doing SAPS work.
This is bound to cause a fallout between Phiyega and Lamoer, given that the SAPS had in the past paid for cops arrested while in office, including former commissioner Jackie Selebi.
Lamoer and the three officers, out on R5000 bail, are facing 109 charges including money laundering, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. It is alleged that they received bribes and gifts from Cape Town businessman Salim Dawjee.
Phiyega was investigated by police watchdog Ipid for defeating the ends of justice after she was taped by Crime Intelligence speaking to Lamoer about the investigation into him.
The NPA found that although she could not be prosecuted, internal disciplinary processes should be instituted against her. Police Minister Nathi Nhleko is considering legal opinion on internal action.
Yesterday, Phiyega was confident that Lamoer's arrest would not implicate her.
"[Phiyega] can confirm that she became aware of the inquiry into Lieutenant-General Lamoer on 29 May 2013 after receiving a briefing from the Hawks. The then head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General Anwar Dramat, at the time indicated that the inquiry was initiated at the request of Lamoer in July 2012. In other words, Lamoer has always been aware of the inquiry," Makgale said. Dramat has since quit, it emerged yesterday.
"This inquiry was, however, never public knowledge, hence Lamoer's surprise when he found out that a political party was aware of such a matter. The NPA conducted an investigation and found there was not crime committed."
Lamoer had gone on leave before being suspended yesterday.
matlalag@sowetan.co.za
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