I am appalled by the terrible service I received at the Estcourt Police Station. It seems as if this station is an internet café and a ‘criminal rights office.’
On Saturday evening, (March 25) I went to the police station to report theft that occurred at one of my businesses in Papkuilsfontein.
One of my employees stole money and stock from the bottle store I own and fled. I was informed that he was at the Kwezi Hostel.
Upon my arrival at the police station, the officers on duty did not even notice me waiting at the counter. I was attended to 20 minutes after standing there. All the while, they were busy taking phone calls on their cell phones and texting away. A senior officer that goes by ‘Nyathi’ finally came to assist me.
I explained what had happened to him. To my surprise, he walked off; saying a junior officer will assist me. In turn the juniors responded: ‘Mr Nyathi should help you since he listened to your story.’ After some time, Mr Nyathi returned and asked me to return on Monday to speak to Mr Kheswa who he said deals with theft. I was shocked and dismayed!
I asked Mr Nyathi three times if he was serious about what he was saying; and he said yes.
I walked out of the police station in anger and frustration, but mostly disappointed at police officers who should be enforcing the law within our town. Was I supposed to investigate my own case and go around looking for the culprit? What would have happened to me if I had found the culprit, and stepped out to do police work?
I wonder…
Gugu Mkhize
The complaint has been brought to the attention of the Uthukela Cluster Commander, General Gonya as well as the Station Commander of Estcourt, Colonel Kheswa.
We would like to thank the author for bringing the matter to our attention and wish to apologise to her for the disappointing service she received from our personnel.
We further wish to assure her that a disciplinary investigation has been instituted into the events in order for us to correct the issue.
Captain Charmaine Struwig
Police Spokesperson
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