OUR POLICE JOBS MADE US ADDICTS

The Western Cape police have launched a high-level investigation into
admissions by two provincial detectives that they are hooked on drugs
because of their duties.

High-ranking officers are investigating claims by the male
detective-inspector and his fiancee, also a detective-inspector.

Both are based at the organised crime unit, and were allegedly used as bait
to "trap" drug dealers and gangsters.

The male detective recently laid an abduction case against his unit head -
a director.

The Western Cape Independent Complaints Directorate confirmed that it is
investigating a case against the director.

The inspector claimed he was removed against his will from a drug
rehabilitation clinic in Claremont in December, after threatening to spill
the beans about his superior.

The director and two colleagues allegedly took him to a safe house in
Hermanus, and then to a city hospital to complete his rehab programme.

But he feared for his life and after his fiancee visited him in the
hospital, he bribed a nurse with R100 to allow him to escape from the
hospital with his fiancee.

The inspector started work at the unit again recently but he and his
fiancee were informed last week by the director of a possible transfer to
the uniformed branch.

He was informed - by letter - that he might be transferred to the Parow
charge office "for the enhancement of service delivery". His fiancee was
informed that she could be on her way to the Kraaifontein charge office.

The pair have complained of repeated victimisation by the director and
senior colleagues.

Western Cape police spokesman Superintendent Riaan Pool said: "In terms of
labour legislation, a legal responsibility rests on the employer to take
the necessary remedial steps and measures which will be in the best
interest and welfare of a member.

"These members themselves came forward with information that suggested they
might have been contaminated or are in the process of contaminating
themselves in a way that had or will definitely have a negative effect on
their welfare."

Pool said that on February 27, notices of possible transfers were served on
the couple. This was one part of "an internal process initiated to support
and rehabilitate the members".