District authorities advised to help police through department

By REBECCA KUKU
POLICE Minister Bryan Kramer has advised district authorities to channel through the police department any funds to buy vehicles, guns and uniforms for officers serving in the outposts.
“The proper process would be for the district to channel their DSIP under the law and order budget through the police department who will then procure for the districts,” Kramer said.
He urged district MPs to follow that process.
He told Parliament yesterday that it was not the function of MPs to fund police operations and buy police uniforms, guns and vehicles for offices servicing in their districts.
“In the past, MPs bought vehicles for police and it was not clear who owns the vehicle. And after the MP’s term ends, the vehicles go missing,” Kramer said.
“There have also been cases where MPs bought firearms outside of the stock (record) of the police department. Those guns also go missing.
“I understand that MPs are reluctant to channel funds through the police department because of malpractice and corruption in the past. But now my ministry and the Government are looking to change that practice. There will be trust accounts and MPs will get full (accounting) of their funds.”
Kramer told Parliament that the police department was facing fuel supply issues because of cash problems.
“If we don’t have the money to purchase fuel, then we won’t be able to purchase uniforms, firearms and vehicles. So if MPs want to take the initiative, they must channel it through the department for accountability and transparency.”
He also promised to deal with provincial police commanders “who are running their own business and running the police like it’s their family businesses”.