CAPE TOWN– The Western Cape police commissioner says his office is investigating allegations of poor service delivery at Maitland Police Station.
This follows mounting calls from residents for the removal of the current management.
Late last month frustrated residents, armed with placards, marched to the station and handed over a memorandum of their grievances to a representative of the provincial police and gave police 14 days to respond.
In a letter seen by People’s Post, which was addressed to Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg and dated Wednesday 13 August, the provincial police commissioner, Lt gen Thembisile Patekile, confirmed receipt of the memorandum.
“This office had undertaken an investigation process for all the allegations. The investigation is still continuing. However, the police visibility has increased through deployment of District Police task teams,” read the letter.
Responding to residents’ demands that the current police management at the station be removed, Patekile said this is a labour related matter and said “internal processes” are being considered.
Patekile added that they are engaging with the community policing forum (CPF) to “improve community relations”.
Despite the letter Steenberg says their demands remain.
“We want that station commander out with his management team as well. This is about the community, and the importance of community policing is that we need a functioning and a collaborative approach.”
Maitland CPF executive confirmed to People’s Post in a press statement that the station is “severely under-resourced” but added that new officials were recently deployed.
“Five police members have been newly deployed. Since Maitland police precinct stretches over three Wards, we welcome the deployment of 15 Metro Police officers to help fight crime as well,” read the statement.
“Residents are encouraged to participate in our public meetings and Imbizo where CPF and police can answer all their questions and concerns. We have also made our email address available for addressing issues that might be of concern.”
“It is important to note that the issue of delayed response is directly related to the severe lack of resources at Maitland police and this is a national issue.”
The CPF says it makes every effort for law enforcement agencies to work together to fight crime.
There is a community meeting with Anroux Marais, provincial minister of police oversight and community safety, scheduled for Monday 25 August at Holy Cross High School.
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