DURBAN Metro Police is gearing up for an overhaul.
This follows a review proposal, submitted by the City Manager, S’bu Sithole, in February. The Executive Committee (EXCO) recently approved the review.
In a report, Sithole wrote that the proposal was motivated by the recent spate of ‘negative publicity resulting in what is most likely a loss of confidence from the general public’.
Sithole added that the media reports also highlighted various concerns, ranging from maladministration, abuse of powers, sex scandals and ‘a lack of respect for human dignity’ that needed to be addressed.
The review would be conducted by a team of independent experts in policing over a period of nine to 12 months. EXCO granted the city manager R2.1 million to fund the review.
Rank-and-file police officers, administrators, leaders and trade union participants will be subjected to the review.
The proposal also suggested that the review focus on management styles, member morale, leadership, recruitment processes, career structuring as well as promotion and disciplinary procedures.
According to Sithole, the aim of the review is to ‘improve the overall well-being and effectiveness of the Durban Metro Police’. Metro Police spokesman, Eugene Msomi, said the unit welcomed the review. “We do not approve of corruption and corrupt elements within the unit.
“Such people do not belong in the unit, and we are grateful for any assistance that would help improve our service delivery,” he said.
uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, has also welcomed the proposal, saying it is long overdue. “There have been increasing reports of senior members being up to no good and not performing their duties.
“This has been reflected in the lack of law enforcement in the suburbs. The unit is definitely in need of a revamp and restructuring,” he said.
