Western Cape Community Safety MEC condemns policing inefficiencies

The Western Cape’s MEC of Community Safety, Albert Fritz has written to the office of the Western Cape Police Ombudsman noting reported incidents of police inefficiencies that occurred in May 2020, where a senior police officer allegedly threatened an elderly woman, a pregnant woman and several Muizenberg residents.

It was further reported in April 2020, that a Lavender Hill mother was left bruised and humiliated after Steenberg police officers allegedly arrested, physically assaulted and spat in her face when she went to seek help at the police station.

MEC Fritz said, “On 11 May 2020, I wrote to the WCPO, Mr J.J. Brand, regarding the numerous complaints of police inefficiencies reported during the lockdown period at Muizenberg and Steenberg SAPS and requested an investigation into these allegations in terms of section 17 of the Western Cape Community Safety Act (the Act).”

“Of course, reports of police inefficiencies are not limited to Muizenberg or Steenberg SAPS alone and there are in fact reported cases of police inefficiencies from across the province. I call on residents who experience such to immediately come forward and report it to the office of the WCPO. It is unacceptable that certain members of SAPS should act so aggressively towards the residents that they are duty-bound to serve. Now I must add that by and large, we can be proud of our police officers who serve us and make us safer in a tireless and dedicated manner. We are concerned about a few instances in which this is not the case, and each instance deserves our attention,’’ Fritz added

The Community Safety MEC welcomed the WCPO’s investigation into allegations of unacceptable behaviour by members of Muizenberg police and calls on members of the public who experience such to come forward and report it to the WCPO.

“I wish to commend the WCPO, Mr Brand, and his office on their investigation into the reports of police inefficiencies at Steenberg and Muizenberg SAPS. As a province, we are fortunate to have invaluable resource which guides us in conducting investigations into reports of police inefficiencies and barriers in community and police relations.”

 

Done By: Tyler Layman