‘Be proud of the uniforms you wear’: Patekile calls on WC police to abide by law

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile has called upon police officers in the Cape to abide by the law.

This followed the arrests of several police officers on serious charges in Cape Town in recent months.

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In the latest incident, a 41-year-old constable is accused of raping a female inmate at the Mfuleni police station last week.

Speaking at a police medal parade ceremony on Wednesday, Patekile urged his troops to always respect the South African Police Service (SAPS) badge and the oaths they took of serving and protecting citizens.

In September, four men in blue were arrested for allegedly pulling off a R20 million jewellery heist at a house in Llandudno, Cape Town.

A few weeks later, eight police officers and a former cop were arrested for allegedly extorting money from a Chinese shop owner in Milnerton.

Patekile said they will deal harshly with those who tarnish the police service's name.

"We will do everything in our power to root out those who commit crimes, but we urge you to be proud of the uniforms you wear. You should guard it jealously, not to trade it with the orange overalls."

Patekile also thanked honest cops within the SAPS.