SAPS HQ leaves Elukwatini police in the lurch
Stock theft in the Elukwatini SAPS Cluster for the period 1/10/2014 to
31/12/2014 showed an increase of 140% compared to the same period in the previous year, and the local police are
struggling to solve the cases.
Only two (2) of the 36 cases reported in this time has been
solved, leaving the unit with a shocking case solving rate of 6%.
These figures became apparent in the monthly sector 2 report back meeting on 15/1/2015. The meeting was aimed at affording the community
an opportunity to raisetheir concerns with provincial SAPS representatives,
but the provincial head-quarters
of the SAPS notified the sector members of their unavailability a mere 10
minutes before the meeting was scheduled to start.
The report showed that the Stock Theft Unit of the Elukwatini
cluster has an area of 958km2 to
serve. To their disposal they have three (3) vehicles and (5) members. Sector 2
in this cluster includes the farming sector of Carolina
The meeting expressed serious concern with the fact that the
provincial SAPS office does not support the local police service. Farmers voiced anxiety with
the fact that local police are completely understaffed, underequipped and
overworked. While expressing
support and appreciation to the local Colonel and Commander, the lack of support from the
provincial SAPS head office, was leaving the cluster in the lurch.
For many years the DA has called for the establishment of
specialised rural safety units, adequately resources and staffed aimed at
ensuring the safety of residents in rural area. Crime in the agriculture sector
will continue unabated if such safety units are not established. While Premier
Mabuza, previously expressed his support to this initiative, the SAPS taken no
steps to establish them.
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