Khayelitsha police in shambles - report
November 12 2012 at 11:38am
By Lynnette Johns
INLSA
Three men suspected of stealing plead for their lives before being necklaced by a vigilante mob in Enkanini, Khayelitsha. Photo: Nombulelo Damba/WCN
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Cape Town - A report on the state of policing in Khayelitsha has revealed a force on the brink of collapse, with high levels of misconduct, absenteeism, and criminal cases not being adequately investigated.
It also shows that over 14 months, 78 people were killed by vigilante mobs, more than four times the number originally estimated.
There are 656 staff based at three police stations and over a year there were a staggering 701 disciplinary cases, some of which involved repeat offenders, including high-ranking officers. The three police stations in Khayelitsha perform their shifts with the minimum number of staff due to officers being absent on sick leave, leave or rest days.
The report said it was found that suspects were arrested and released without being charged, and witnesses and complainant statements are often not recorded.
The report is the work of a task team sent by national police chief Riya Phiyega to investigate the Khayelitsha police following complaints by NGOs about a breakdown in relations between the community and the police and an increase in vigilantism.
The task team carried out their investigation in July.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa speaks to residents of Khayelitsha about the state of their Police service at The Lookout. Picture: Courtney Africa
INLSA
However, at the same time Premier Helen Zille was setting up a commission of inquiry into the same allegations.
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