The high crime rate in Nyanga township has forced companies and individuals delivering goods in the surrounding areas to ask for a police escort.
However, although one expects the service to be free, this is not the case at the Nyanga SAPS.
Police in the Cape Town station are accused of asking a fee of R75 for escorting anyone needing their services.
A community member speaking on anonymity was not surprised by the news.
“We all know that SAPS members are corrupt. So I am not surprised that they are asking for money,” the person said.
The Community Policing Forum (CPF) is now calling on residents to come forward with the names of police officers asking for the money.
So far, that request seems unlikely to be fulfilled. “No one wants to put their lives at risk. We all know what will happen if the victims come forward. Maybe companies can, but not individuals,” the resident added.
Dumsani Qwabe, Nyanga’s CPF secretary, heard the news.
“We will look into this, but it will be much easier for victims to come forward. If it is happening, then it’s a shame and unacceptable.”
Resident Ntombekhaya Kewuti wasn’t surprised.
“I don’t trust Nyanga SAPS; if they are not taking alcohol to tavern owners, they are stealing their money,” she said.
“We know there are dedicated officers who love their job, and then there are corrupt ones who don’t respect the badge; what they are doing must stop.”
Pictured above: Nyanga Police Station in Cape Town has been accused of asking R75 for anyone who wants an escort.
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
