OWN CORRESPONDENT, Durban | Friday 5.00pm.
UNITED Democratic Movement national secretary Sifiso Nkabinde on Friday expressed “shock” at Thursday’s closure of the Richmond police station, saying it is “strange” that the action was taken only after police officers accused of complicity in the violence demanded proof of the allegations against them.
“The UDM finds it strange that these police officers were accused by the Minister of Safety and Security Sydney Mufamadi of involvement in the happenings in Richmond….[and] when they call for evidence [on] these allegations, they are being redeployed,” Nkabinde said.
“To the UDM this appears yet another attempt by President Mandela and the African National Congress government to manipulate the security forces and use them as political tools,” he said, calling for an independent commission of inquiry into violence in the area.
About 50 police officials formerly based at the station were on Thursday given ten days to present recommendations with regard to their relocation to other stations. They were also given the option of accepting retrenchment packages.
Fivaz on Thursday said he had closed the police station because the South African Police Service is no longer able to fulfil its constitutional obligation to provide and maintain an impartial, accountable, transparent and efficient police service.
Richmond will be policed by a national intervention unit under division commander Andre Pruis.