Sector forums revolt against police

Many issues were raised, including the refusal to open cases or issue case numbers, a slow or no response to call-outs with a lack of accountability, failure to adhere to basic police procedure or officers in breach of their employment contract, failure to charge alleged, identified criminals, abuse or misuse of power and government property and police officers involved in criminal activities.

A group of concerned residents, who have been nominated to drive the process forward for sector 1 and 2 has researched and collected reports of a number of incidents, most of which were reported in the Sun in the last 18 months, to substantiate the vote.

Copies of the dossier were emailed to the relevant SAPS provincial structures and hand-delivered to Toti SAPS.

“I personally went to deliver a copy to station commander, Col Mkhize on Tuesday, 18 February at about 10am with a witness,” said spokesman, Louise Marais. “After being kept waiting for 10 minutes we were taken up to his office and introduced to his secretary, who informed us he is on leave until 1 March. How come no-one except his secretary knew he was on leave?”

Upon enquiring, Louise was informed Lt Col Zithulele Jali was in charge in Col Mkhize’s absence.

“When we went to the detectives’ office, there was no-one at reception. I then left a copy of the dossier with Lt Col Jwali.

It is the responsibility of the police to ensure we live in a safe and protected environment. However, if some police officer acts as if they are above the law and clearly so, as seemingly nothing happens to them when they break the law, then what hope do we as a community have that criminals will be made accountable for their crimes?

As a community we are taking a stand and demand the service and protection from the police we deserve and are paying for – to live in a society where we can feel safe in our homes and neighbourhood, which is certainly not the case at present,” said Louise.

According to the KZN police media centre, the provincial commissioner has not received any correspondence from any organisation relating to a ‘vote of no confidence’ in Amanzimtoti police station, due to the incorrect email address being posted on the SAPS website. “The provincial commissioner has indicated that once she has received the correspondence and has had the opportunity to study the contents, she will meet with the cluster commander, community policing forum and other community leaders to address the concerns and find a solution that will ensure the police and community work together to fight crime,” said Colonel Jay Naicker.

“We once again urge members of the community to ensure all complaints against police are reported immediately so that they can be addressed to the satisfaction of the complainant. There should not be a situation where individuals submit their grievances collectively and expect them to be investigated jointly, together with other unrelated matters.”

If you have a complaint relating to Toti SAPS or are unsure of your rights when dealing with the police, e-mail toticrimeforum@gmail.com.

“We urge all residents to attend the community sector meetings in your area that are there to help fight the crime that affects us all.”

Sector 1 meetings take place on the first Tuesday of the month at Galleria SAPS satellite station at 6pm. Sector 2 meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at St Mary’s Church hall in Warner Beach at 6pm. Combined sector 1 and 2 meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every second month at Lord and Legends conference centre at 6pm.