Four cops have been dismissed in the last four months after being reported on by residents for activities unbecoming a police officer.

Speaking at the iLembe police crime imbizo in Shaka’s Head on Saturday, iLembe police commissioner, General Anthony Gopaul said he was running a tight ship and would not tolerate officers on the wrong side of the law.

Exactly what these cops were guilty of remains a mystery for now.

Disgruntled Shaka’s Head residents took the opportunity to challenge the effectiveness of the Umhlali police station.

They expressed concerns about rising crime in the township, attributing it to overpopulation, drug dealing, corrupt police officers, illegal foreigners and unlicensed taverns.

Despite the pressing issues, the meeting at the community hall had a low turnout with fewer than 100 residents attending.

Noticeable was the absence of youth, often the victims of crime, who socialised on the streets instead of attending the imbizo to make their voices heard.

Residents criticised the police for their lack of visibility, claiming they only patrol the township when accompanied by private security companies.

They said police vehicles are frequently parked at illegal shops run by undocumented foreigners, who are suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.

Some residents even reported seeing police officers using state vehicles to transport their girlfriends to taverns and visiting known drug dealers.

Another concern raised was the extortion of foreign shop owners by gangsters demanding protection fees.

“Everyone here is aware of the problems in our township, including the police. What’s stopping them from dealing with these criminals?” asked resident Daniel Doja.

iLembe police commissioner, General Anthony Gopaul, acknowledged the complaints.

He said while residents might not always see police officers in action, it did not mean they were not working.

“From April to August this year 18 murder cases were opened in the Umhlali precinct, of which seven were reported in Shaka’s Head. Police arrested eight people in connection with this. We also arrested 42 people in 17 stabbing incidents. Work is being done even if it’s not always visible,” said Gopaul.

He urged residents to report corrupt officers, promising action against them.

“State vehicles are for work, not for private use. If you see an officer misusing them, take a picture and send it to the station commander. In the last four months, we have dismissed four officers reported by residents,” he said.

Regarding illegal foreigners and unlicensed shops, Gopaul requested a week to conduct raids.

“Undocumented foreign nationals are a serious issue, and they will be arrested and deported,” he assured.

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