Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, refused to answer a question asking if she has instituted a policy of secrecy to hide issues relating to police officers and police facilities managed by her Department.
This followed an oral question I tabled in a sitting of the Gauteng Legislature to enquire why electricity bills were unpaid at an Ekurhuleni Metro Police station in Eislen Street, Daveyton, which lead to electricity being disconnected.
Police officers were instructed not to tell any members of the public, including opposition politicians, that electricity was disconnected at the station.
A whistle-blower brought this to the attention of the DA.
However, when asked about the instruction to hide this, and further asked if it is policy to hide problems, the MEC stated that she “can’t answer rumours”.
The MEC has already instituted a policy that Members of the Legislature may not undertake unannounced oversight visits to police stations – undermining the constitutional rights and obligations of elected public representatives.
The public have a right to know when their police service is dysfunctional as well as what is being done to address deficiencies in police.
The MECs attitude and refusal to answer, as well as her veil of secrecy approach is alarming.
Media enquiries:
Ashor Sarupen
DA Constituency Head: Springs-Daveyton
076 334 5147