The most recent Edenvale Community Policing Forum meeting saw community members raise concerns about the behaviour of EMPD officers in Edenvale.
Held on August 28, the broader forum meeting saw roughly 50 people, including law enforcement authorities, attend.
The community’s concerns ranged from the behaviour of EMPD officers when drivers are stopped to metro police parking on private property.
“I urge anyone in Edenvale to email their concerns so the matters can be investigated,” said Edenvale EMPD precinct commander Chief Supt Leon Saaiman.
He said the EMPD is investigating several matters in the Edenvale area involving its officers.
“I am trying to get discipline back in Edenvale.”
Once an allegation is sent to Saaiman, he said the following procedure is followed:
• The email is sent to the EMPD Integrity and Standards Unit.
• A dossier is compiled on the matter.
• If the matter needs to be, it is escalated to EMPD chief of police.
• A disciplinary hearing is held.
• The complainant might need to testify if the matter goes to court.
Community members can also send information anonymously. In these instances, the integrity and standards unit will conduct an undercover investigation.
Saaiman said when community members are stopped by EMPD officers, the officers can:
• Ask to see the driver’s licence
• Walk around the vehicle
• Ask to check the boot for the emergency triangle with the driver present
• Assess the general condition of the vehicle
Saaiman said anything other than this should be a red flag for community members.
“Generally, vehicles are not searched unless an official operation is underway. During an operation, officers can search a vehicle, as a section 138 form grants them permission.”
Saaiman appealed to the community to remain calm if they feel they are being intimidated and to accept a fine if they are threatened with one.
He told community members to never be intimidated by an officer, but to be respectful.
“If community members feel intimidated, they should take notes of the officer’s appearance, a description of the vehicle and its registration.
“There is also no law which says community members can’t film or photograph officers, we are public servants.”
On a positive note, Saaiman said over 260 new EMPD officers recently had a pass-out parade.
He explained that 100 EMPD officers would be distributed to the various precincts in Ekurhuleni North, which includes Edenvale.
“We are looking at getting 12 additional EMPD officers in Edenvale.
“There is nothing better than getting fresh blood into a precinct.”
Like EMPD, Edenvale SAPS will also see an increase in personnel.
Edenvale police station commander Col Sudesh Sookraj said a human resources captain, crime intelligence captain and detective captain joined Edenvale’s team.
In December, the station is set to receive 15 more constables.
“Thirteen of the constables will join the visible policing team, while two others will join the detective team,” said Sookraj.
“Policing isn’t easy and there are challenges, but Edenvale SAPS is dedicated to fighting crime.”
ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell urged the community to report any incidents of police intimidation, brutality or corruption to either the SAPS, the EMPD or CPF.
She said incidents brought to the CPF’s attention will be passed on to SAPS or EMPD.
“It is great that people are highlighting matters on social media, but cases need to be opened for the matter to be investigated,” said Damerell.
EMPD-related matters can be sent to Leon.Saaiman@ekurhuleni.gov.za
SAPS-related matters can be sent to gp.edenvale.sc@saps.gov.za
ECPF can be contacted on cpf.edenvale@gmail.com
