In recent times, the government has embarked on efforts to strengthen the SA Police Service. Photo: Saps/iStock
A social media user has accused the South African Police Service (Saps) of failing to respond to a complaint, which apparently resulted in a murder.
Dr Chauke (@_BlackZA) on Wednesday morning took to social media to complain about his neighbours’ alleged argument and claimed to have called the police on 10111, the 24-hour crime reporting call centre which deals with complaints by the public.
However, he claimed Saps never responded to the incident.
“South African Police service are useless. I called them at 3am last night because my neighbours were fighting, they only came now to collect the wife in a body bag shot dead.”
Dr Chauke also attached a screenshot of the call that he made to 10111.
Police Ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba responded to Dr Chauke’s claims on Twitter, urging him for details of the incident.
“Hi, Dr. This is very disheartening. Can you please DM me more details of where this alleged incident took place?”
Themba told The Citizen Dr Chauke failed to respond to the alleged claims of the incident.
“He has not provided any information, even after numerous requests. He even blocked the Saps Twitter account, when they tried to reach out to him.
“Both the ministry and Saps take such claims very seriously, GBV continues to be priority crime for the Saps,” Themba said.
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Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) said government will, over the next 12 months, embark on efforts to improve competitiveness in police call centre operations to support the proper functioning of the 10111 help line.
“Just as we have embarked on economic reforms in electricity, water, telecommunication and logistics through Operation Vulindlela, we are embarking on a process of reform to improve the effectiveness of our fight against crime,” said Ramaphosa.
“We will use our competitiveness in call centre operations to support the proper functioning of the 10111 help line, partnering with the private sector.
“This is to ensure that when people call the police, their calls are answered and their emergencies are attended to.”
Ramaphosa said violent crime took a heavy toll on every South African.
“Communities across our country live in fear for the safety of their families. This situation cannot continue,” he said.
In recent times, the government has embarked on efforts to strengthen the Saps and improve the capacity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
ALSO READ: Sona 2023: Government to improve Saps 10111 call centre
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