Proof is in the pudding

Ward councillors say the Metro police’s 10Plus ward-based integrated service delivery programme has been a flop in Region B thus far.

The programme launched last year in October, and states that each ward would be allocated 10 dedicated Metro police officers and three vehicles to combat crime and enforce by-laws.

Since then councillors have reported difficulties in meeting with their officers and a refusal to provide councillors with duty rosters. They also reported dedicated vehicles not being provided, leaving the team to share one ward vehicle. Or, in the case of wards 117 and 104, no vehicle at all.

According to Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck, the programme was met with great enthusiasm. Truluck explained, “Despite our open support for the programme, it was made clear straight away that the officers were not going to be the ‘personal army of the councillors’.” This, the councillors believe, set the tone for the flop that was to follow.

Councillors added despite their best efforts to work with the Metro police, effective by-law enforcement in their wards was being hindered by orders coming from the top. They also spoke of being approached by frustrated officers trying to perform their duties. Allegedly their efforts are being hampered by superiors removing them from wards, not providing resources and giving them direct orders to not communicate with ward councillors.

Corruption is another major impediment to law enforcement in Johannesburg. Ward 86 councillor Steve Kotze experienced this firsthand recently, when his 10Plus commanding officer was arrested for soliciting a bribe of R300 from a motorist. The motorist in question was a member of the Hawks.

In response to the complaints, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Safety and Security – under which the Metro police falls – Sello Lemao, met with Region B councillors on 27 November. The long-overdue meeting yielded some solutions which included, training for the officers on by-law enforcement; compulsory attendance at ward committee and community policing forum meetings; and regular feedback on work done in the wards. It was also agreed that officers must be visible and accessible throughout the wards every day, and a clear reporting and follow-up structure should be put in place whereby complaints from the public and the councillors are sent to officers on duty.

Ward 102 councillor David Potter said, “We have been down this road before and although this is a positive step, we will have to wait and see if anything improves.”

“The bottom line,” said Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe, ”is that a refusal to work with us is a refusal to be accountable to the residents and business owners we represent. It is not only undemocratic, it is a flagrant dereliction of duty.”