Etwatwa SAPS Under Fire as ActionSA Demands Removal of Station Commander
Growing frustration over crime and alleged policing failures erupted into public action on Friday as ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, led a community march to the Etwatwa Police Station. Residents delivered a memorandum demanding the immediate removal of the station commander, accusing the station’s leadership of failing to protect the community and restore public trust.
The demonstration brought together residents who say they have lived with escalating crime for years while repeatedly raising concerns about the performance and conduct of the local police station. Many believe their complaints have gone unanswered, leaving communities feeling vulnerable and abandoned.
Handing over the memorandum, Khumalo said the protest was driven by growing public outrage over persistent criminal activity, alleged policing failures and what residents describe as a complete breakdown in confidence in the station’s leadership.
The memorandum calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently intervene and address what ActionSA describes as a crisis of accountability in Etwatwa.
Among the concerns listed are allegations of corruption involving some police officials, claims that victims are discouraged from opening criminal cases, the continued spread of drug trafficking and organised crime, and an alleged lack of responsiveness from the station’s leadership.
ActionSA is demanding the immediate removal of the Etwatwa Station Commander pending the outcome of an independent investigation. The party is also calling for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of corruption and misconduct at the station.
In addition, the memorandum urges SAPS to ensure that all criminal complaints are received, registered and investigated fairly and without fear or favour. It also calls for decisive action against organised crime and drug trafficking in Etwatwa, as well as regular engagements between SAPS leadership and the local community to rebuild trust and improve accountability.
ActionSA has given SAPS 14 days to provide a written response outlining the concrete measures it intends to take to address the concerns raised by residents.
In a statement, the party said the people of Etwatwa deserve a police service that protects law abiding citizens rather than one associated with failure and mistrust.
“Today’s march was not merely a protest. It was a clear demand for accountability. SAPS must act decisively against any wrongdoing within its ranks and restore confidence in policing. Communities cannot continue living in fear while those responsible for their safety fail them.
“ActionSA believes that safe communities are built on professional, accountable and responsive policing. We will continue standing alongside residents who demand better governance, safer neighbourhoods and a criminal justice system that serves the people rather than failing them,” Khumalo said.
Khumalo added that if SAPS does not respond adequately within the 14 day period, ActionSA will continue using every available democratic avenue to ensure that the concerns of Etwatwa residents are heard and acted upon.
The memorandum represents one of the strongest public challenges yet to the leadership of the Etwatwa Police Station and places renewed pressure on SAPS to respond to allegations that have shaken community confidence. Residents now await the police service’s official response as calls for accountability continue to grow.
