The South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing scrutiny over a diesel deal linked to Ralph Stanfield, a suspected organised crime figure. According to investigative journalism outfit amaBhungane, SAPS bought almost 3,000 litres of diesel from businesses allegedly linked to Stanfield and his wife, Nicole Johnson. The purchases were made while authorities were investigating their alleged criminal enterprise.
The transactions have raised questions about police procurement controls, with one transaction reportedly costing R122,000 for 990 litres, equivalent to R123 a litre. This is significantly higher than the going price of around R25 a litre. SAPS has since launched an inquiry into the transactions, including how they were approved and whether there are grounds for a criminal investigation.
ActionSA has called for a full investigation into the incident, saying the probe must establish who authorised the purchases and whether procurement and supplier-vetting controls were bypassed. The party's Cape Town mayoral candidate, Dereleen James, expressed concerns about accountability within the police service, stating that the incident "raises serious questions about procurement vetting and accountability inside the police".
James further emphasised that South Africans deserve a police service that fights organised crime, not one that inadvertently helps bankroll it. The incident has sparked concerns about the police service's ability to manage its finances and procurement processes effectively.
The investigation by amaBhungane revealed that the diesel purchases were made from businesses allegedly linked to Stanfield and his wife while authorities were investigating their alleged criminal enterprise. This has led to questions about how the police service failed to identify the potential risks associated with these transactions.
SAPS has assured the public that it is taking the matter seriously and has launched an inquiry into the transactions. The inquiry aims to determine how the purchases were approved and whether there are grounds for a criminal investigation. The police service has also been urged to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the police service, particularly in its procurement processes. As the investigation continues, it is expected that more information will come to light about the diesel deal and the potential implications for the police service and its officials.
Key points
- SAPS bought 3,000 litres of diesel from businesses linked to Ralph Stanfield and his wife at nearly five times the going price.
- An inquiry has been launched into the transactions, including how they were approved and whether there are grounds for a criminal investigation.
- ActionSA has called for a full investigation into the incident, citing concerns about accountability within the police service.
