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The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, has revealed in a DA parliamentary reply that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has spent more than R1, 9 million over the past two financial years to procure 134 car batteries. This amounts to almost R15 000 per battery.

Similarly, it has paid just over R12 million to procure a total of 1814 tyres over the same period, amounting to R6 600 per tyre, on average.

This, whilst the crime rate for serious crimes such as murder, rape and assault are still increasing in the Free State and visible policing, rural safety units and other vital resources are missing. The SAPS clearly has its priorities wrong.

The DA will submit questions to the minister to obtain the details of the relevant service providers with the intention of approaching the Public Protector with a request to investigate these expenses. Under this ANC government, people in the Free State are dying whilst resources are being stolen and misused.

Issued by MP George Michalakis - DA NCOP Spokesperson on Security and Justice