Provincial Police Commissioner faces legal action over community policing concerns

Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile has 14 days to respond to a memorandum submitted by the Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association (MRRA) and ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg.

Failure to respond may result in legal action as the community demands the removal of stagnant staff and management at the local police station, citing a troubling increase in violence and inadequate policing.

Patekile has confirmed he is in receipt of a lawyer’s letter of demand from Maitland ward councillor, Steenberg and the ratepayers and residents association, and has responded to it.

They are demanding the removal of the station commander and management, stagnant staff and calling for a full review of operations and performance and a report back to the community.

They said should he not respond, they will have no choice but to approach the court’s and proceed with legal action.

Two weeks ago, Steenberg together with the Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association (MRRA) and community marched to the police station, handing over a letter of demand.

On August 11, Patekile’s office received a lawyer’s letter, which was shared with the Cape Argus. The letter demanded the immediate removal of the Maitland Station Commander and Management Team, as well as the transfer or redevelopment of long-standing staff members who have become ineffective or resistant to change.

Additionally, it called for the return of Lieutenant Colonel Solomon and Captain Van Der Heever, a full review of operational performance, and a public report back to the community, aiming for a fresh start in community and police relations.

In response, Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the Commissioner was engaging with the relevant parties and that an internal matter was under way.

“Pertaining to the memorandum about Maitland police and the subsequent communication from Councillor Steenberg’s lawyers, the Provincial Commissioner has today responded in writing,” she said.

“It is worth noting that the  concerns raised about the precinct and its policing require further engagement with the affected community’s role players on board.

“The office of the provincial commissioner in the Province recognises the role that various stakeholders play in policing matters.

“In relation to internal matters, they are currently attended to as a matter of urgency.”

Last month, the community went public with their complaints in the Cape Argus where they stated that staff locked the gates of the station at night, lack of available vans.

Their complaints were escalated to Patekile office including that of Police Oversight and Community MEC Anroux Marias.

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Cape Argus