Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

Allegations of corruption and nepotism have surfaced in the South African Police Service in Limpopo.

This follows reports that interviews were held recently for 37 people to fill posts in the crime intelligence unit in Polokwane. It is claimed the posts were never advertised.

At the centre of the controversy are allegations that some members of the unit's management were told to bring at least three of their relatives each to fill the posts.

A source within the unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said yesterday some of the management team members were overlooked when the arrangement was made.

He said a committee had been secretly established, allegedly by the provincial head of crime intelligence, to employ clerks and/or typists "and each committee member was requested to bring along at least three CVs of members of their families or friends".

The interviews were allegedly held at Polokwane's SAPS provincial head office on October 13.

"Some of us were surprised to see our offices swamped by young men and women. When we asked them where the posts were advertised they said they were only told to come for the interviews," claimed the source.

However, Tumi Golding, the spokesman for the national police, said yesterday the posts were advertised in City Press newspaper, but would not give the exact date the advert appeared.