1448 bad cops face the chop

An audit has revealed that 1448 police employees have been found guilty of a criminal offence, the Police Ministry said yesterday.

The audit into how many police employees have a criminal record has been going on for two years, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said.

Mthethwa said national police commissioner Riah Phiyega would have to decide what action to take.

"I have instructed her and the management team that feedback on the action [they intend to take] should be provided to me by the end of October this year," he said.

There would be a legal process to give everyone a chance "to state his or her side of the story".

"That said, our resolve to root out unwanted elements within the police will never be deterred by anything, no matter how long and what it takes."

The audit had taken longer than expected because the ministry wanted to ensure that it was thorough, Mthethwa said. It had also revealed "serious challenges" regarding the management of discipline in the police.