The Dynamics of Policing Corrupt Societies in Africa: Who then Policies the Police, where there is no Moral Fiber and Conscience?
Author : Chingozha MP and Chingozha Y
Abstract :
Corruption in its various forms is a cancer that is sadly tearing through the nerves and veins of many societies and institutions. It is now seen as a faceless and borderless phenomena wreaking havoc among communities. Many citizens to include public officials now seem to have been bewitched to the extent that they will not have the energy to do what their mandate demand they do unless there is something in return. The cancer has actually gotten to unprecedented levels particularly so in Africa. The performance of many public institutions are now so compromised. No public officials are now committed or motivated to do what they are expected to do unless there are promised something in return. That citizens are paying for services that the public institutions are already paying for is now a common feature within many communities. Unless deliberate interventions are pursued by government then the moral fibre will continue to decay. The police who are supposed to be the vanguard or last line of defence on promoting public morality are now equally embroiled in this rot, amazingly. The question that many are now are asking is, ‘Who will police the police,’ yet the police.’ In terms of the police culture corruption is characterized as a misconduct. The police are not expected to break their oath of office which entails being upright as they discharge their constitutional mandate. Abusing their uniform in pursuit of personal gains is frowned at by all and sundry.
Keywords :
Corruption, Moral fibre, policing, Africa, conscience, policy
