Police vetting crisis: Senior officers fail security clearance

THE vetting and security clearance of senior police officers were once again under the spotlight during a meeting with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and the Portfolio Committee on Wednesday.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

The issue was first raised in a written parliamentary question by committee member Lisa Shongwe, starting in January. She questioned the decline in security applications for senior officers and asked for details on who has been denied clearance.

During Wednesday's meeting, Schickerling again pushed for answers, asking whether police generals who were still awaiting vetting had access to sensitive police systems. Committee member Fadel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress, also demanded transparency, questioning why so many high-profile officers, including commissioners, had security clearance despite concerns.

This was reiterated by Schickerling, who asked whether Generals in the police who were waiting to be vetted, had access to police systems.