Concerns over Policing in Khayelitsha were voiced by members of the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) at a picket that was staged outside the Western Cape police administration’s office. This comes after the SJC had taken the Police management to the Equality Court in an attempt to force the South African Police Service (SAPS) to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Policing in Khayelitsha.

Speaking to VOC’s Breakfast Beat, the SJC’s head of security and justice, Chumile Sali, explains that residents’ concerns includes the high level of violent crimes and the shortage of policing resources, where police services only offer case numbers but very rarely offer further information on matters brought forward.

“You will find that one detective is dealing with over 450 cases, so he is going prioritise certain cases,” Sali stated.

While there concerns continues to persist, along with a shortage of police presence in the Cape Flats, the SJC is now requesting that SAPS increase police personal in areas that are crime ridden.

Monday mornings picket followed requests made last year in which the SJC took SAPS to the Equality Court. The court subsequently ruled that SAPS must respond to the SJC’s affidavit by November, 30, 2016. SAPS has to date not responded, leaving it in contempt of court.

While no memorandum was handed over, Sali notes that senior officials did meet with SJC representatives.

“We don’t know that they are dealing with it, but they should respond to our people, make sure that this matter is resolved and that people of Khayelitsha and Nyanga get enough police resources.”

VOC 91.3fm