Calls for unity in Edenvale
A call for a united front between the Edenvale Community Police Forum (ECPF), the SAPS and residents was made by a resident, Mr Roarke Lessing, during Thursday's ECPF meeting.
Reporting back to the community, ECPF chairperson Mrs Linda McKenzie said a full investigation is underway at the station following media reports in recent weeks about alleged police brutality at the station.
“Those interviewed cannot give comment as the case is sub judice,” she said.
“People want to crucify us for not suspending bad cops but we also have rules to follow. The SAPS follows procedures and, just like everyone else, is innocent until proven guilty,” said Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts, from the Edenvale SAPS.
“We as the police are not governed by ourselves as the police. I am not saying ignore our wrong doings, but also look at the suspects or suspicious looking vehicles or people. Never in my life have I seen so much hate speech and racism towards SAPS members from the community, let alone the remarks made on social media. If I am doing wrong, yes report me, but I remind the community that before Carte Blanche we were headed in a good direction,” he said.
The NEWS reported in February 2014 that Darren Kingsley, one of three people interviewed by Carte Blanche, alleged his human rights were violated by Edenvale SAPS.
In response to Mr Kingsley’s allegations, Lt Col Roberts commented in February 2014 that officers who are reported, are not investigated at the station.
At the time, Lt Col Roberts urged members of the community who had complaints against any police officers at the Edenvale Police Station to lay charges against the officers involved.
“These cases are not investigated by police officers at station level. For us to be able to catch police officers who are not abiding by the law, we need witnesses and complainants to come forward and open cases,” he said at the time.
At Thursday’s meeting, Col Trollip urged residents to report any wrong-doing.
“It is important to report and provide your statements immediately. We need facts and statements, not hearsay from a third-person,” said Col Trollip.
Prior to the police officers addressing the meeting, Mrs McKenzie said in her report to the community, “I am aware of a certain political party doing its best to discredit the CPF. Many community members out there show their appreciation for what the CPF does,” she said.
She said the CPF is an a-political forum that assists in fighting crime and working together with the community and the SAPS.
“I appeal to the DA to not divide our community. We are all here to carry out a function, so please stick to yours and we will stick to ours,” she said.
At this stage, Edenvale Democratic Alliance, Clr Bill Rundle asked Mrs McKenzie to excuse him from the meeting.
“This is an attack on the DA. You say what’s done is done, but with respect I want to excuse myself from the meeting until such time as my party and I aren’t attacked. Let us engage at another place and not here,” said Clr Rundle.
Mrs McKenzie agreed to a private meeting and also said herself and Clr Rundle had worked well together in the past.
Mr Lessing took this opportunity to call on the community and role players for a united front.
“We should be fighting the same enemy, which is crime, poverty and negativity. I know a lot of the community members and you are all wonderful people. Let us resolve our problems in private. We do not have to fight in public. We are not here to win a political battle,” said Mr Lessing.
“Everyone needs to unite as one and stand together with the CPF and SAPS to combat crime,” said Mrs McKenzie.
She also informed the community that CPF meetings will now be held on Wednesdays.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 26. For more information, contact Mrs McKenzie on 083 973 7093.
WATCH: Videos from the meeting
