By Phumlani Saul
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene received a rude reception from KwaNobuhle residents who vocalised their dismay about poor service from their police station.
Mene spoke on Friday at an imbizo at the Babs Madlakane Community Hall in KwaNobuhle, where more than 150 residents said the police in the area had failed to protect and serve the community.
Nelson Mandela Bay district commissioner Major-General Vuyisile Ncata and Bay mayor Eugene Johnson were among the dignitaries who were in attendance.
The purpose of imbizo was to interact with the community on issues relating to service delivery, client satisfaction and community involvement.
It was preceded by midweek buildup activities including awareness campaigns in shopping malls and visits to three schools, Nkululeko, Phaphani and Sikhothina, where senior managers spent time engaging with pupils about liquor abuse, drugs and gender-based violence. KwaNobuble resident Mzwakhe Thompson placed the blame for poor service delivery on the KwaNobuhle station commander.
“I wish you [Mene] would have not announced that you were coming and sent two delegates to see how we are treated at the police station,” he said.
“He [the station commander] must go.
“There are serious cases.
“Recently a woman was killed by her son. Residents tried to call the police but eventually gave up.”
Ward 43 ANC Women’s League chair Maliwe Grootboom agreed that the KwaNobuhle station manager should be removed.
“Since this new station manager arrived things have changed.
“We used to work with the police, now the police have turned on us.
“Last year, we had operation to put an end to a house that sells drugs.
“We found the drugs, but when we arrived in Mkomko we found the police were stealing the same drugs.
“As we speak we do not know where that case ended up.
“Investigate the people you are hiring. [Even] dockets go missing,” Grootboom said.
Ward 45 councillor Sabelo Mabhuda said violence in the community had increased, while unity among community members had decreased.
In response, Ncata said he was newly appointed in his position, but had noted their complaints.
“I was tasked by the provincial commissioner to pay attention to this police station,” he said.“I am glad that you have spoken. The community will not want to work with someone they do not trust.
“I have been here for four days. I saw some of the complaints.
“We will have an intervention plan for the KwaNobuhle police station, from the cleaners to management.
“We will give you feedback on those complaints.
“We will need to have a structure so we can talk about what we have fixed from your complaints, however, the community needs to play its part.”
The community applauded and said they were willing to work with him to fix the broken trust between them and the police.
When Operation Sikhona started on Thursday, provincial management and Ncata conducted an operation in KwaNobuhle.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said Operation Sikhona had seen stop-and-searches, vehicle checkpoints, visits to taverns, suspect tracing and road blocks conducted.
A total of 69 people were arrested for crimes including rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary, drunken driving, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Large quantities of alcohol, dagga, cocaine, knives and stun grenades were confiscated.
Two hijacked or stolen vehicles were recovered and 177 fines issued.
Image Phumlani Saul
Daily Kasi News 