Thembisa welcomes new commander
"I also went to court to talk to the prosecutor, as I am trying to build a good relationship with them," Mabitsela commented.
Thembisa Police Station detective branch commander Phindi Mabitsela was appointed to the position on February 1.
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Gauteng Police commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela mentioned in an interview at the beginning of March that the rates of conviction and detection in Thembisa were lower than ever. He talked about how he is working with the new branch commander to fix these rates.
According to Mabitsela, there can be no convictions with no detection. She mentioned that with communities like Thembisa, it’s hard for there to be any convictions due to mob justice.
“When the community takes the matter into their own hands, it makes it harder to do our jobs. That is why there’s a low detection and conviction rate,” said Mabitsela.
The commander mentioned that since her appointment, there have been a lot of murder cases brought to her but they have been struggling to make arrests because of the mob justice in the community.
She also stated community members do not communicate with them (police) and because of this, not a lot can be done.
“With no arrest/s made, there can be no conviction of anyone,” she added.
Mabitsela stated they have started to address the community not to take the law into their own hands and that should they have any problems, they must report it to the police at the charge office. When cases are reported, the office will immediately attend to those cases. She mentioned how the protocol of arrests has changed regarding suspects in a case. She further stated that previously court would investigate before making arrests, but now the courts have changed this. If a suspect is known, arrests can be made, which also increases their detection rate.
When asked what new strategies are going to be implemented at the station, she answered that as she is still new to the place; she is still getting to know the area and the people in it. She has already developed some relationships with the communities, and some community members call her when they require her services. She mentioned how she has meetings with community members and always reminds them that if they witness a crime in their community, they must communicate with her immediately.
The newly appointed detective commander stated her strategies are to empower the members/colleagues that work with her. She monitors all of their cases and gives them instructions on what steps to take. She has also implemented the three operations meant to tackle cases and help implement these strategies, namely Operation Okae Molao, which is used to trace suspects, Branch Commanders’ Operation and the Crime/High-density operation.
“I also went to court to talk to the prosecutor, as I am trying to build a good relationship with them,” Mabitsela commented.
“Giving feedback to the community is very important. They need to know the happenings of the case, when it goes to court or just the progress of it.”
She explained she is a hard worker and will make sure all criminals in Thembisa are arrested. She implores the people of Thembisa to trust her and her team and to work with them.
Mabitsela stated the community is welcome to contact her anytime whenever they are in need on 071 675 6787 but urges them to call relief commanders after hours.
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