Speaking to talk show host Redi Tlhabi on Radio 702 on Monday, Zuma said government had been taking measures against officials found guilty of corruption, with guilty parties in some instances being handed jail terms, as well as making them reimburse the funds acquired in a fraudulent manner.
"In fact, it has happened in the system of government, where the findings have been made and many [corrupt public officials] have actually paid back. Others have been dismissed, so that is being done," he said.
Responding to a plea made by a police officer - who called in to the show and chose to remain anonymous - asking the President to put measures in place to protect officers from colleagues who are involved in criminal activity, the President said: "That is ... the challenge in this country.
"The fact that a number of police officers have been arrested after having been found committing crime is a problem. It is a problem that we are dealing with. I think it is an issue where all of us should participate."
The President noted the difficulty of identifying "rotten" police officers, which he found to be a big concern as officers were trusted to protect communities.
"... It is an unfortunate situation because these are trusted people; they are there to protect the society ..."
Zuma said he had already held talks with Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa with regards to finding a permanent solution in dealing with the issue of corruption amongst the police.
"I've discussed the matter with the Police Minister ... It is a matter that we've got to work on all the time and honest police officers ... must come [forward] to say how ... they are able to detect their fellow police officers who are criminals," said Zuma, stressing that upstanding officers should take action in such cases.
Zuma said the discussion of how to deal with corrupt officers should be extended within government so that a solution can be found.
With regards to the progress in the investigation relating to the five Limpopo provincial government departments that were placed under administration by Cabinet last December, Zuma said it would be difficult for him to determine as to when the process would be concluded.
"It is difficult for me to determine when the investigation will end but once investigations, conclusions and recommendations are made, we will certainly act."
He was keen for the process to be completed timeously.
"... We don't want the national (administrators) to stay in the province forever. So they must do their job within a reasonable time and we must give them reasonable time to do their job, but once it is done, certainly we will act," Zuma said.
