Douglasdale’s new police team

DOUGLASDALE - Douglasdale Police Station has a new management team whose members come highly recommended by their cluster commander.

February 26, 2015

Varushka Padayachi 2 minutes read

Following a bout of racism allegations and protests at Douglasdale Police Station, a decision was made by the national office of the police to redeploy 80 station staff members who engaged in the illegal protest action, and the management team of the station.

At a meeting convened by the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum at the Indaba Hotel, the former management of the station was given a heartfelt farewell and the new management team was welcomed to the precinct.

All the high-ranking officers who made up the old management team were given a platform to say their goodbyes to the forum and the community. Former station commander Brigadier Leon Kruger has been redeployed to the provincial police head office. At the meeting, a composed Kruger thanked the provincial and national offices of the police for intervening during the station’s turbulent period.

Colonel Tinus Swart will be taking up a management post at Kagiso Police Station. “I’m not as strong as Brigadier Kruger,” he said. “I’m very emotional because I’m leaving a family that made me what I am today.” Swart thanked the community for their support, especially when the station was going through a difficult time.

Taking up the post of Douglasdale station commander is Brigadier Lettie Hugo who said she was excited, but would have been happier to have taken up the position under better circumstances. “This is the most difficult situation I’ve encountered with the police so far,” she said. “Taking 84 people away from one police station and changing the station commander is a big thing, but we will soon be back on track.” Hugo has served as Randburg station commander for 16 years and has built up a good relationship with Randburg residents.

Honeydew cluster commander, Major General Oswald Reddy said if there was any substance to the allegations of racism that was made against the former management of the station, they would not have been redeployed, but would have been made to leave the service.

He sang the praises of Douglasdale’s new management team, many of whom have worked closely with him. “We’ll get it together,” he said. “I am making a personal commitment that I’ll be here for support.”