This follows the recent arrest of the unit’s head and several other senior officials. The crime intelligence division has long been mired in controversy. Former head Richard Mdluli previously faced corruption charges and was later convicted of kidnapping, assault, and intimidation.

SAPU believes that a thorough inquiry is necessary to clean up the unit and restore public trust in its operations.

SAPU Spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale says, "If there is a panel of experts that are appointed, they will look into all the areas that have to deal with accountability. From there, it will help with cleansing or revamping of crime intelligence.

"Because if there is no inquiry that is held to look into the revamping of crime intelligence, from time to time we will still continue to hear stories coming from there. From time to time, there would be those leaders who are found wanting and that will tell us that we are dealing with only a fraction, and not the bigger problem."

SAPU maintains that only a full-scale, independent investigation can address the deep-rooted challenges within the crime intelligence unit.

--SABC--