Distress that police report ‘not released to residents’

KHAYELITSHA safety forums and residents told police minister Nathi Nhleko of their disappointment that the report on the findings of the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry into policing in the area was never released to them.

The Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) invited Nhleko to meet stakeholders in Khayelitsha on Saturday to discuss the outcomes of commission’s report.

The commission, headed by retired judge Kate O’Regan, was established in 2012 to probe a breakdown in relations between the police and Khayelitsha community.

The inquiry’s findings contained 20 recommendations – from better oversight at the township’s police stations to changes to the model governing how many police officers are allocated to each precinct.

KDF chairperson Ndithini Tyhido told Nhleko it was very disappointing Premier Helen Zille had not interacted with community structures of Khayelitsha.

He added he believed there was no breakdown in relations between the police and the Khayelitsha community because the 11 safety sectors and 12 ward committees in Khayelitsha were represented in policing discussions.

Resident Nozabelo Layiti claimed one of the challenges was that some police officers allegedly “worked with criminals” and all candidates who wanted to join the service should be carefully screened.

sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za