Police are investigating allegations which claim police files, dockets and rape kits from Steenberg Police Station were found discarded at a dumping site.
Ward 68 councillor Marita Petersen claimed she found remnants of police dockets and rape kits dumped in Steenberg since the beginning of April.
“Since 1 April, I had found remnants of police dockets, rape kits, exhibit sleeves and personal documents of residents on our dumps.”
Petersen said at the time she informed the Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) as well as Steenberg police.
“I informed the CPF Chair of Steenberg and also the station commissioner. The communication was noted and a thank you for reporting.”
However a few days later, Petersen says cleaning teams in the area notified her that more waste from Steenberg Police Station was found.
Cleaning staff reportedly claimed they found bullets, weapons and rape kits.
“On 9 April I was alerted by the area cleaning teams that more waste of Steenberg police was found on the dump. This time we found dagga, rape kits, exhibit sleeves and more confidential documents,” said Petersen.
A few weeks later on 22 April, Petersen says she reported the matter to the Police Ombudsman when she was alerted to more police waste found.
“This is gross neglect of basic responsibility and accountability toward the community it vowed to serve and protect.”
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said in their investigation so far they have found no police dockets were discarded.
“Preliminary findings of a police investigation into the dumping of discarded police documents and other materials at a site near the Steenberg Police Station have revealed that none of the discarded waste is from police dockets.
“The investigation led by a senior detective from the provincial office continues, with a sworn statement yet to be obtained from the councillor who made the discovery.”
Potelwa said part of the investigation will look into whether police directives were followed regarding the disposal of waste material.
“A plastic bag containing the discarded paper and other materials was seized on Monday 25 April by the investigator in line with investigation protocols.
“The lot comprised of unused gloves from state-issued investigation kits, hazardous waste material disposal bags, torn and crumbled paper as well as old documents.”
Western Cape police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile, has since undertaken to take decisive action if its found police flouted protocols on the disposal of waste material.
“Once the investigation is finalised, Lt Gen Patekile assures the community of Steenberg that the outcome will be made public,” a police spokesperson said.
