Holding an SAPS J88 form in her left hand, which bears stitches from her elbow to her wrist after she was allegedly attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Priscilla Nsibande accused the Etwatwa SAPS of failing her.

The Barcelona resident joined hundreds of community members who marched to the police station on July 10, accusing officers of failing crime victims while protecting perpetrators.

Supported by Action SA members, including the party’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, residents demanded the immediate removal of Station Commander Colonel Patrick Qangase, citing alleged policing failures, rising crime and drug trafficking.

Standing at the entrance of the station, barricaded by a police Nyala while SAPS officers, EMPD, CPF members and Gauteng peace officers stood guard, an emotional Nsibande said police had failed to act after she opened an assault GBV case following an alleged attack on June 27.

“He stabbed me on June 27. I was with the police when he was arrested around 13:00. I was shocked when I saw him back out at about 15:00, smashing the windows where I live,” she said.

Nsibande said after reporting the incident, she completed a J88 form and returned to the station several times to follow up.

“I went back repeatedly. I was told the system was slow. On the fourth occasion, after community members caught him, we called the police several times but they never came.

“I’m still waiting for a case number. They promised to send it to me, but nothing has happened. My attacker’s brother is an EMPD officer. Maybe that’s why they are not arresting him,” she alleged.

Left-handed, Nsibande grimaced in pain when the Benoni City Times asked her to write her name down, saying her injuries remained severe and she was still traumatised.

“When he stabbed me, I was carrying a baby on my back. The child is still shaken. I’m also too scared to walk alone because I fear I might meet him.”

Pamela Mabena also accused the station of failing her after a neighbour allegedly assaulted her 13-year-old son, Junior, on February 3.

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She said she opened a case the same day but has never received a case number.

“I’m hurting because I never received a case number. They don’t communicate with me. My son is traumatised. Whenever he sees the perpetrator, he fears he will be beaten again,” she said.

Fikile Longfoot shared a similar experience, claiming police failed to investigate after she was allegedly pepper-sprayed by her cousin last year.

“I opened a case and completed a J88 form, but there has never been any follow-ups. He did this during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. He was never arrested.

“There is a serious problem at Etwatwa SAPS. Instead, my cousin, who is a former policeman, obtained a protection order against me. We want to see change at this station.”

Community leader Lali Skosana echoed those frustrations.

“Cases are unresolved despite evidence in the form of J88 forms and victim statements. It simply means somebody is not doing their job, and instead accepts bribes. The community has had enough. We want to see changes. Reported cases must end up in court. Perpetrators must be prosecuted because there is evidence,” she said.

SAPS responds

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the community’s concerns have been brought to the attention of the district office and are being viewed in a serious light.

“With regard to the management of police stations, the appointment and removal of Station Commanders falls within the prerogative of the District and Provincial Commissioners, in line with SAPS policy and procedures,” she said.

“The public is encouraged to report criminal activities to SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send tip-offs via MySAPS Application.”

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