UMBILO SAPS’s new station commander, Colonel Mpumelelo Khumalo, used her first community meeting since taking charge of the precinct to pledge a stronger focus on crime reduction, community co-operation, and proper policing procedures.

Speaking at an imbizo held at Glenwood High School, Khumalo said her primary mission was to make Umbilo safer and to ensure every incident was treated seriously.

“My reason and purpose as the station commander is simple and that is to target the reduction of crime in the area. And we aim to do this through the entire structure of the SAPS, from visible policing to detective services,” said Khumalo.

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Khumalo said she was eager to work with community groups, schools, forums, religious institutions, neighbourhood watches, private security companies and urban improvement precincts. However, she said residents also had to respect the law if they wanted to help fight crime effectively.

Recognising the positive role a vigilant community can play in preventing crime, Khumalo stressed that when a citizen makes an arrest, the rights of the suspect must be respected.

“If there is any accusation of assault, whether true or not, it requires police resources to investigate. It is important that the suspect apprehended is transported to the police station in the same condition they were in when arrested. By doing this we can make sure justice is not delayed. We also require that the citizen effecting the arrest to provide a full statement,” said Khumalo.

Having only recently arrived at the station, Khumalo said a review of the April crime statistics had raised concerns, particularly in the Davenport and Bulwer areas, known by SAPS as Sector 1.
She said cellphones and laptops were among the main items being stolen, while incidents of motor vehicle theft had decreased.

However, she urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant around Victoria Mxenge Hospital, formerly King Edward VIII Hospital, especially during visiting hours, saying the area remained a known vehicle theft hotspot.

“We really rely on the community to be our eyes and ears. If we work together a lot can be achieved,” said Khumalo.

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Several residents asked for intervention near Davenport Centre on Helen Joseph Road and Queensmead Mall on Teignmouth Road, where they alleged that public drinking and illegal parties were taking place regularly, causing noise and disturbances.

Residents from areas including Glenmore and Carrington Heights also raised concerns about the growth in student accommodation, claiming student residences were often “the focal point” of crime and disturbances in residential areas.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher told Khumalo she looked forward to “supporting your initiatives” and working closely with the station.

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The Youth Crime Prevention Desk chairperson, Keyuren Maharaj, also addressed the meeting, highlighting the importance of educating young people about crime prevention, community responsibility and local by-laws.

“We have a great programme planned to drive youth interest in crime prevention and we look forward to partnering with the station’s new leadership,” he said.

Members of neighbourhood watches, the Community Policing Forum, private security companies and representatives from urban improvement precincts said they would support Khumalo and work with the station to improve safety in the area.

Umbilo CPF comments

Umbilo CPF acting chairperson Maria Calitz said the forum was ready to support the new Umbilo station commander.

“We welcome Col Khumalo warmly and sincerely. Taking the lead at a police station is no small responsibility, especially in a community facing many daily challenges. Ward 32, 33, and Ward 101 – which fall in the precinct – are diverse and vibrant communities with residents, businesses, schools, religious institutions, security companies, CPF structures, neighbourhood watches, and community organisations all striving towards one common goal: creating a safer environment for all who live and work here,” said Calitz.

“We understand that SAPS cannot fight crime alone, and likewise, communities cannot succeed without the support and leadership of SAPS. It is through communication, trust, visibility, accountability, and mutual respect that we can make meaningful progress.”

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Calitz said the appointment was a proud moment for all women. She also noted that the CPF, the Umbilo detective branch, and the station commander role were all led by women, a win for gender equality. Lieutenant Colonel Lungile Ndimande is the branch commander in charge of detectives.

“The Umbilo CPF stands ready to work alongside Colonel Khumalo. We look forward to building a positive and productive relationship based on transparency, co-operation, and a shared commitment to serving the people of this precinct. We are hopeful that under her leadership we can strengthen community relations, improve communication, and continue addressing the concerns affecting our area,” said Calitz.

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