Boipatong – Dozens carried placards, singing and chanting on the doorstep of the charge office, demanding the Sedibeng Cluster Commander General Zodwa Molefe to keep the acting acting station commander.
On Tuesday, Sedibeng Cluster appointed new police bosses in different police stations in the region.
Lieutenant Puleng Mokoena was officialy chosen as the new station commander, but furious community members said they didn’t want her.
Instead of a warm welcome on her first day, Mokoena was met by placards written ‘hands off our station commander’, away with nepotism in Boipatong, hands off Molotsi, amongst many others.
Residents of Boipatong hindered services during a picket at their copshop over the removal of acting Station Commander Colonel Molotsi. Protesting community sang and chanted 'Hands of Molotsi'. They demanded Cluster Commander General Molefe to address them.@SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/CwEHQxzKEF
— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) November 30, 2022
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, an enraged resident Phaladi Taapi from ward 8 said they are picketing to keep Molotsi at Boipatong.
“Since Molotsi started working here, there is a change when it comes to fighting crime. We have plans in place with the man to fight crime,” he said.
“We don’t want Molotsi to be moved from this police station and we plead with the management of SAPS to give us an opportunity to at least complete our plans with Molotsi,” he added.
Acting Station Commander Colonel Mnini Molotsi addressing protecting residents over his removal as the station commander of Boipatong. @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/ekDTbh2KLk
— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) November 30, 2022
Addressing the protesting community under the watchful eye of Public Order Police Molotsi said there is nothing he can do to stay, his merely following processes.
“I am the outgoing station commander of Boipatong and there are processes that need to be followed. You didn’t know I was coming here when I arrived, I introduced myself to you and ran these streets so we have a common goal. The time you gave me to showcase what I am capable off is much appreciated,” he said.
“You are compromising me. I don’t want it to seem as if I am influencing you to march here. I know the work I do for you is the reason you are here,” he said.
“I would personally like to be at Boipatong and I want to make changes but please use the five days you are given. Go home,” he said.
Residents of Boipatong stormed their local copshop amid the removal of their acting station Commander Colonel Mnnini Molotsi, after a new station commander was appointed yesterday.#SedibengSter #MooivaalMedia #MAMA2022 #SpotifyWrapped #earthquake #supermariobrosmovie #AzamSwati pic.twitter.com/yFyJF1wzo8
— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) November 30, 2022
Police spokesman Sergeant Shaan Motsapi said they are aware of the protest.
“Like any other company, we always have position rotations. We move people around within the district so they exercise good practice,” he said.
“There is nothing wrong with reshuffling and our communities can rest assured that the planned commitments they have with the acting station commander can be continued by the new one as they are written,” he added.
Motsapi said Molotsi was acting and when a new station commander is promoted, they will have to do their duties.
“The community needs to understand the processes of SAPS. We are not here to idolize people; they need to idolize services rendered to them. The people must allow the processes to take place and give the incoming station commander the opportunity to showcase her capabilities,” he said.
