SASOLBURG – Angry residents of Rosemary in Sasolburg took to the streets during a march on Wednesday, November 29, calling for the removal of their station commander.
This comes after allegations of assault were leveled against Colonel Marike Galant.
According to Mamokete Motloung (50) and Nontobeko Tyathuza (42) who formed part of the masses gathered outside the precinct during a protest, Galant assaulted them on November 15.
A video of the unfortunate incident has since been making rounds on social media, showing Colonel Galant slapping Motloung and forcibly handcuffing her.
In the 56-second video, Galant could be heard saying “Give me your other hand” and calling Fredick for assistance.
Different organisations joined the march including members of the African National Congress, Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, and Crime Busters among many others.
Singing and chanting “Galant must go!”, many protesters carried placards stressing their message.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster on the sidelines of the march, Crime Buster and resident, Mita Mosia explained their reason for protesting.
“We decided to march and hand over a memorandum following the assault charges leveled against Colonel Gallant and two CPF guys. We calling for her removal because she doesn’t serve us as residents, instead she is failing us,” she said.
“We are happy that we met General Makhubo and his reception gave us hope. We are hoping that he will come back to the people and give us good feedback. If we don’t get find job on the feedback, we would be very demoralized and we would have no choice but to escalate the matter,” she added.
Former Metsimaholo Local Municipality mayor, Lindiwe Shongwe was part of the marchers.
Addressing the masses, Shongwe urged police to work with the community to help end the scourge of crime.
“Today police have gathered in their numbers but we are always told they are not enough when we report crime. Women are being abused and they have lost hope to come to this Mickey Mouse house. Work with us, we are not here to fight you, but to urge you to work with us,” she said.
Following the handing over of the memorandum, Fezile Dabi District Commissioner Major General Moses Makubo addressed the gathered crowds.
“We acknowledge receiving the memorandum and we commit to respond in the next seven days. We accept your challenges and we will make sure we deliver on them. We noted your grievances and your notion that you are not the enemy of the police. In that regard, we will work together and fight crime in your area,” he said.
Giving reaction on the march, Motloung said she was happy.
“The turnout really proves that there is a problem with our station. I am overjoyed to see so many people come out to support us,” she said.
