Top brass say that all police complaints will be investigated

How police answer calls placed to the charge office, the misuse of official vehicles, and the surge in crime were all high on the agenda when SAPS Cluster Commander, Major General Francis Slambert, convened a public meeting on Monday.
Slambert, who took the reigns as officer commanding for the Umzinyathi SAPS district, thanked Cllr Naresh Gopie for arranging the meeting in the Moth Hall.
She went on to welcome members of the public, security officials and fellow police officers to the gathering.

Major concerns in the area include the rampant theft of copper cabling that impacts on municipal and other infrastructure, gender-based violence, drug-related offences, stock theft, business and house robberies, and other criminal activities.

“I really thank our local security companies for helping the SAPS to combat crime.
“We could not be effective without your continued support,” said Slambert.
Issues raised at the meeting included the ‘quick open and shutting of cases by police’; the disappearance of dockets; the increase in crime during load-shedding, as there are no solar or battery-powered street lights to illuminate areas; poor communication from officers who answer the telephones; and officers abusing SAPS vehicles.
There were also complaints that ‘it takes ages for police to respond to a complaint, as they only ever have one vehicle available’.
In her response, Slambert said these issues are ‘not acceptable’ and called on the community to take down the registration numbers of police vehicles they suspect of being ‘abused’. She said that community members must report this to her offices in Gladstone Street.
“I will immediately contact the relevant station commander and take steps to investigate.
“The same goes with all these concerns raised – I will be in touch with branch commanders to see what can be done.
“Members who man the telephones will undergo training where necessary to ensure that they have the correct etiquette when dealing with the public.
“I need the public to unite with us and by doing so, we can reduce crime in our towns.”
Regarding the lack of street lighting during load-shedding (when criminals take advantage of the darkness to steal cabling, etc), it was said that a response was awaited from the municipality to see what could be done to put up solar lighting.
She admitted that there are many challenges to be faced, but is confident that with the right support, ‘we will win’ at the end of the day.
In closing, Slambert said she would like to call more meetings with the public and also involve farmers’ associations in the future.