Sithole leaves KwaDukuza SAPS

KwaDukuza SAPS station commander brigadier Bongiwe Sithole is packing her bags.

The woman, who has been at the helm of one of the largest stations in the North Coast cluster for four years, is headed for Pinetown.

Sithole has been appointed by provincial commissioner lieutenant general Mmamonnye Ngobeni as cluster commander for Durban West.

Her tenure has been somewhat controversial, marked by calls from the community and political parties for her removal.

The most recent was when Greater KwaDukuza ANC leadership accused Sithole of favouring the IFP, following the murder of ANC volunteer Nothando Mhlongo in Lindelani, on Election Day.

The ANC maintained that Sithole’s initial refusal to allow them to hold a memorial service in Lindelani showed her political bias against them (KwaDukuza ANC unhappy with SAPS commander, Courier, May 23).

At the time ANC provincial executive committee member Bheki Ntuli said: ” If the allegations about the station commander are true the matter should be resolved in two months time and we must ensure that whoever is in this post is neutral.”

Sithole also came under fire when then police minister Nathi Mthethwa visited Hambanathi in March.

Despite this Sithole, who has been in the force for 28 years, said her promotion has nothing to do with any allegations.

“I applied for the vacant position of station commander and I was given a cluster position. The reason I wanted to leave is so I can be closer to my family. I am grateful that the provincial commissioner recognises me as capable of taking care of the eight police stations in that area.”

She also thanked KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu and Ilembe district mayor Welcome Mdabe for working hand in hand with police in crime fighting.

“I wish all political leaders would do the same in their areas.”

Colonel Phillip Nel will assume temporary command of KwaDukuza SAPS.