Eldorado Park police station commander faces allegations of misconduct

Eldorado Park Police Station commander, Brigadier Mkhacani Maluleke, is embroiled in controversy following serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.

These accusations have intensified after the January 16 arrest of Ward 18 Clr Juwairiya Kaldine by the Eldorado Park SAPS on charges of malicious damage to property and assault GBH.

Case confirmation by provincial SAPS

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The charges against Kaldine were confirmed by Gauteng provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, who stated that the case was opened on January 16 and is before the court.

Kaldine labeled her arrest as unlawful and claimed her initial charge was recorded as common assault when she was detained.

She alleged that her arrest is part of a targeted campaign by Maluleke in response to community calls for his removal as station commander.

Recounting her experience, Kaldine described an unsettling interaction with Maluleke during her detention.

She accused him of unlawfully intervening in her bail application by securing a prosecutor to oppose her release.

“Never under this constitution have I read or even heard, after many consultations, that a station commander can get involved in station bail applications,” Kaldine remarked.

Despite his alleged interference, she was eventually released.

Allegations of abuse of power

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Kaldine claimed that Maluleke was seen pacing the station with her docket, an act she views as highly irregular and potentially unlawful.

She alleged that the station commander intimidated community members by forcing them to leave the station, asserting that it was “his station.” Kaldine said there is video evidence to support her claims, which she plans to release publicly.

Expressing disappointment with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Kaldine accused the oversight body of failing the community under Maluleke’s leadership.

She cited past incidents, including the death of an innocent woman, where accountability was lacking despite serious consequences.

“A civil claim between myself and the Minister of Police will find its way to court,” Kaldine stated. “Someone needs to account for all unlawful arrests this far.”

Claims of systemic corruption

Kaldine also accused Maluleke of protecting criminals and diverting crime scenes to shield families harbouring suspects.

She claims to have “solid proof” of several cases where suspects were let off with warnings, contrasting starkly with her own experience.

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“I was ‘kidnapped’ from 10:00 till 15:00 because that’s the time the docket was captured,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Kaldine remains resolute in her campaign to remove Maluleke.

She dismissed his claim that she is ‘a danger to society’ as baseless, asserting her integrity as a licensed firearm holder who has always abided by the law.

“The plotting and scheming thickens, but I will continue to advocate for his removal because he is arrogant and thinks women must submit to him,” she stated.

Kaldine wrote to the Police Minister. She emphasised the need for accountability and confirmed her intention to file a civil claim against the Minister of Police.