Hostel residents accuse eMbalenhle police of assault, looting
According to many residents, police officers arrive at the hostel weekly in a white Quantum minibus, search their rooms and often leave with their belongings, including money, groceries and cellphones.
Residents of the Ebhaceni hostel in eMbalenhle said they live in constant fear of police officers who allegedly harass, rob, and assault them under the guise of crime-fighting operations.
According to many residents, police officers arrive at the hostel weekly in a white Quantum minibus, search their rooms and often leave with their belongings, including money, groceries and cellphones.
Some officers allegedly wear balaclavas to conceal their identities. Sipho Mqwathi, a tuck shop owner at the hostel, claims he has lost thousands of rands to these recurring raids.
“We are being robbed by the people who are supposed to protect us. When they come to our hostel, we want to escape because we know we are in trouble. They loot my shop, search my bedroom and my store. Last week alone, I lost R5 000 and all my stock, drinks and food as well,” said Mqwathi.
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He and other residents said they came to the hostel while looking for jobs to support their families but now find themselves victims of alleged abuse by those tasked with upholding the law.
In a previous attempt to seek justice, residents reported the matter to Colonel Maria Sibanyoni at the eMbalenhle Police Station.
Sibanyoni condemned the alleged police conduct and advised them to take down the registration number of the minibus used by the officers.
However, after trying to follow that advice, one resident said they severely beat him.
“I tried to take a photo of their vehicle, but I was badly assaulted and left unconscious. I only woke up in the hospital,” said the resident.
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Residents also allege that in recent weeks, individuals claiming to be from a private security company accompanied the police. These individuals allegedly help assault and intimidate the residents.
“What is most concerning is that some of these police wear balaclavas. We have, however, identified two officers from the eMbalenhle Police Station who come even when off duty and demand money from us. If we don’t have it, they beat us,” said another hostel resident.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Police, urged residents to report the incidents.
“As the SAPS, we encourage victims of harassment or abuse to open cases, which will be investigated accordingly,” said Mdhluli.
