WESTERN CAPE – Preliminary findings of a police investigation into the dumping of discarded police documents and other materials at a site near the Steenberg police station have revealed that none of the discarded waste is from police dockets. The investigation led by a senior detective from the provincial office continues, with a sworn statement yet to be obtained from the councillor who made the discovery.

Part of what the investigation will look into, will be whether any SAPS directives on the disposal of waste material have been flouted. Further statements will be obtained from the Steenberg SAPS management and personnel.

A plastic bag containing the discarded paper and other materials was seized on Monday afternoon (25 April 2022) by the investigator in line with investigation protocols. The lot comprised unused gloves from state-issued investigation kits, hazardous waste material disposal bags, torn and crumbled paper as well as old documents.

The Western Cape police commissioner, Lt General Thembisile Patekile has undertaken that if anyone is found to have flouted any SAPS protocols on the disposal of waste material, decisive action will be taken. Once the investigation is finalised, Lt General Patekile assures the community of Steenberg that the outcome will be made public.

Source: South African Police Service