Community lash out at eMbalenhle police

The police were accused of dragging their feet in arresting the killer of a toddler murdered in Ext 16, eMbalenhle, in April.

Angry community members lashed out during a meeting called by the police’s unit working with the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, the eMbalenhle SAPS and the CPF held at the sports field of the Maphala Gulube Primary School in Ext 16 on October 18. At that point, the police were searching for a second toddler abducted from his home.

The residents were furious that the police had not yet caught the murderer of Thingo Mahlangu (four), who disappeared from his home on April 17 and was found murdered on May 2. Then Khayone Pakeni (two) was abducted in the same area on October 9.

(Khayone’s body was found three days after this meeting).

They told Colonel Percy Matlala, the acting eMbalenhle station commander, that the community had lost hope in the police because of its poor service to them.

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“We want a progress report on the investigation into Thingo’s murder. Here in Ext 16, we have high crime, and the police must act. People are killed, and we don’t get the necessary attention from our police.

“The police station’s phone number never works, and when we ask why, we are told it is due to stolen cables. The Secunda SAPS have to come to our rescue.

“Our sector manager also doesn’t assist us. He is not even at this meeting. Why does the acting station commander come to us without the sector manager?” asked Charles Nkosi, a community leader.

He said residents suspect a syndicate is stealing and murdering children in their area. The police station gate allegedly being closed at night again came into the spotlight.

The community accused the police of being cowards while they have firearms and said if the police are scared of criminals, then they are not safe.

“I went to the eMbalenhle Police Station at night while a business robbery was in progress because I could not get hold of the police on the phone. When I got there, the gates were locked. I shouted for attention.

“A police officer eventually came to the gate, and only then was a vehicle dispatched. By the time the police arrived at the scene, the criminals had already fled with money and other items,” a disgruntled community member said.

“We are not safe with this police station. Criminals can kill someone in front of the police gate that is always locked,” he said.

Matlala said procedurally the police are not allowed to give the community feedback on cases, only the families.

“These cases that involve children are sensitive, and we can’t just tell anyone about the investigation’s progress. We could be fired, as the police.

“Our police gates are open 24 hours. I visit the station anytime at night and never find the gates locked, but if any of you now experience such a challenge, call me on the spot. I will come there because I use a state cellphone and vehicle.

Matlala said there was a challenge with the landline because of cable theft, but it was resolved. The eMbalenhle Police Station’s cellphone number is 082 565 7503. Matlala’s cellphone number is 082 318 9949.

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