Delmas – What was intended to be a gesture of goodwill on Mandela Day has ignited controversy in the Delmas as local residents accuse the South African Police Service (SAPS) of neglecting their core responsibilities in favour of symbolic displays.
On 18 July, police officers from Delmas Police Station were seen loading corrugated zinc sheets into a police van as part of a Mandela Day initiative to help a local household a disabled elderly woman and her son who were living under severe hardship, with a collapsing roof, no food, and broken windows and doors.
The activity, which was carried out under the SAPS Social Crime Prevention programme, has been met with mixed reactions from residents who say the gesture does little to address the broader issues of crime, gender-based violence (GBV) and police inefficiency in the area.
Captain Carla Hartley, Corporate Communication and Liaison Officer at the Delmas Police Station, defended the initiative. “The purpose of the initiative was not for personal gain but to make a meaningful difference in a vulnerable family’s life,” said Captain Hartley.
SAPS and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) had identified “Due to a lack of logistical resources, the acting station commander authorised the use of a police van to deliver building materials,” Hartley explained. “No investigation will be instituted because this action falls under our social crime prevention duties.”
Despite the explanation, many residents remain unconvinced. Community activist Gugu Mathibela said, “The issue of crime and GBV in our society is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention,” she said. “The police’s decision to mark Mandela Day by loading zincs onto a police van for 67 minutes is a poor display of their commitment to serving and protecting the community. This gesture falls short of addressing the real issues at hand.”
She further criticised what she called “tokenistic displays” by SAPS.
“Instead of symbolic actions, the police should prioritise responding to our calls and taking our reports seriously,” she added. “We plan to draft a memorandum and organise a peaceful march to the police station, demanding accountability. We will also initiate a petition to remove incompetent officers and replace them with individuals capable of tackling crime and GBV.”
Another community member, Thembi Radebe, echoed similar sentiments. “We live in fear every day. House break-ins, assaults, and violence are daily realities, yet police rarely respond on time or at all. Seeing a police van used to carry zincs while crimes go uninvestigated feels like a slap in the face,” said Radebe.
A third resident, Nhlanhla Sibeko, said: “They always say there are no vehicles available when we report a crime,” Sibeko said. “But suddenly, there’s a van available to deliver building materials? We appreciate charity, but not when it comes at the expense of our safety.”
Hatley said SAPS encourages members of the public to stop complaining and rather offer assistance in future Mandela Day efforts by doing their part.
