Task team to investigate dysfunctional police stations
Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police said he wants a full report on the stations in four weeks.
The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele will assign a special task team compromising members of the Police Secretariat and Independent Police Investigative Directorate, to visit local police stations which have been reported as dysfunctional in Ugu District, namely, Harding and Gamalakhe.
Cele made the announcement after listening to the public at the National Council of Provinces People’s Parliament at Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre recently.
The people said that the lack of service at most police stations are appalling.
“I have heard the people. In Umuziwabantu we are aware of shootings and murders. From April to date, 40 people have been killed. We have arrested 12 people and the cases are in court.
“On the 28th (today) we will visit Umuziwabantu to deal with the issues there. We want people to talk and expose corrupt members. If a police officer is known for taking bribes, he or she must be named and we will deal with them,” added Cele.
Other complaints included the shortage of police vehicles, incomplete investigations, the lack of partnership between the police and community policing forums and corruption at police stations.
One of the police stations that will be investigated by the task team is Gamalakhe. The people threatened to shut it down as police are failing to provide a service.
Julie Akoon, a resident in Ward 26 in Gamalakhe in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, and also a gender-based violence advocate said: “The people propose that the Gamalakhe police station be shut down. There are many reasons, one being that officers close the station at night and refuse to assist the community.”
She alleged that some of the members are drug lords and tavern owners.
“They (police) are contributing to the high crime rate in our area. The station has no commander and whoever is there, is in an acting capacity. Also, the station commanders keep changing which results in dockets being lost or sold,” Akoon alleged.
Sindy Msimango agreed with Akoon and requested that police officers be rotated every two years, to different stations.
“With rotation we will see a difference in our communities. If we have police from outside our area it would reduce corruption, “said Msimango.
She said that it is also evident that police are scared of criminals.
Cele said he will give the task team four weeks to visit these stations and report back to him, however he will not be closing any police stations.
“We will not be closing the stations but ensure members understand that policing is not just a job but providing a service to the people. Those who don’t want to be part of the service will be told to leave,” Cele emphasised.
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